Linda O'Brien

accepted the promise of heaven and was welcomed into eternal life

on October 20, 2026. Born on September 25, 1950 in Davenport, IA, Linda was the first of eight children born to Guy “Mac” and Eunice McCubbin. Growing up in a big family brought its challenges—when one got sick they all did and they had to share pretty much everything. Nonetheless, they developed unbreakable bonds and remained close throughout life. She grew up in Long Grove, IA and graduated from North Scott High School, class of 1968. Linda went on to attend Palmer Junior College. She married Patrick O’Brien on July 12, 1969 in Long Grove, IA. They welcomed the birth of their first child while at the

University of Iowa before relocating to Illinois. They eventually settled in Roscoe where Linda made her home for the last 40+ years.

Linda held various positions throughout her working career, eventually retiring from Rockford Memorial as a medical transcriptionist. She was knowledgeable as well as nurturing. Plenty of family and friends would go to her with their symptoms and she could always provide comfort, if not an accurate diagnosis.

No role was more important to Linda than being a mother. She was truly devoted to her family and would go without if it meant their needs were met. Linda was a determined provider and a fierce protector.

Linda was overjoyed when she became a grandmother—another role she was made for. She loved watching her grandchildren dance and play sports, attending every activity she could. She was their biggest fan and supporter. Linda treasured time spent with her grandchildren and made sure they all felt loved and valued. She was delighted when she recently became a great-grandmother.

A faithful follower of Christ, Linda made time daily for devotions and quiet time with God. She lifted countless people up in prayer and was happy to share her love for God.

Linda adored being outside and spent countless hours tending to her garden. She loved soaking up the sunshine. She was resourceful and enjoyed being able to feed her family with her labors of love. Linda was a phenomenal cook and prepared abundant feasts. Many have claimed her cooking was, “The best they ever had!”

A gifted writer, she had a way with words, even through text messaging. Quick-witted and smart, she had the best sense of dry humor. Linda enjoyed reading and instilled her passion for books in her children and grandchildren.

She also passed on her love for garage sales and thrifting to them.

Linda was incredibly strong and could be stubborn. Her strength wasn’t merely physical. She endured life’s hardships, all the while remaining loving, kind, generous, and forgiving.

Loved, missed, and forever remembered by her children Patrick (Paige) O’Brien, Nathan (Amanda) O’Brien, Elizabeth O’Brien, Daniel (Amanda Wimmer) O’Brien, and Merrie (Brandon Boyd) O’Brien; grandchildren Hailey (Konnor) Rosenbrook, Maggie O’Brien, Abaigeal (Jackson Hawkins) O’Brien, Brianna (Riley Hartridge) O’Brien,Charlie, Sammie and Louisa O’Brien-Schenk, Kastin Henry, Benjamin and Danny O’Brien, Emmalynne Daily, and Rio O’Brien; great-granddaughter Flora Kay Rosenbrook; siblings Jonell Strickland, William McCubbin, Marc (Lisa) McCubbin, Jayne

(Mike) Carstensen, Joel McCubbin, and Kim (Missy) McCubbin; sister-in-law Suzi McCubbin; numerous cherished cousins, nieces, and nephews; as well as several others who took to calling her Mom-O or Grammie over the years.

She was reunited in death with her son Michael, infant son Benjamin, parents, Mac and Eunice, her brother Jon, and sister-in-law Denise McCubbin.

Thank you Serenity Hospice for providing the resources to keep Linda at home in her happy place. Your compassionate care and kindness will not be forgotten.

The visitation will be held on Friday, November 6, 2026, from 3-6 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 North Alpine Road, Machesney Park, IL 61115. A memorial service will follow at 6 p.m. at the funeral home. Linda will be laid to rest in Long Grove, IA at a later date.