Caryl "DeDe" A. O'Brien
April 9, 1954 - October 25, 2021
Caryl O'Brien, age 67, grew up in Wood Dale, IL and worked for Elmhurst Memorial Hospital for 42 years. Beloved daughter of George and Marion O'Brien; loving sister of Lynn Penkava; dear cousin of Lynda Glass; fond aunt of Jennifer (Danny), Andi (Jordan), and Lisa; great aunt of Jazmine, Bea, Danielle and Quinn; great great aunt of Baby Nova. Caryl (also known as DeDe to many) loved to be with her family. She took a yearly trip to Ixtapa, Mexico with her lifelong friends. An animal lover, she had many beloved pets over the years. In her retirement, DeDe enjoyed taking care of her niece, Quinn, and had planned to do so for many years to come. Caryl was diagnosed with ALS in May 2021, and she handled the last six months of her life with courage, grace, and humor whenever possible. Memorial visitation on Friday, November 5, 2021 from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm with a memorial service that evening between 6:30-7:00 pm at Pedersen Ryberg Funeral Home. 435 N. York Street, Elmhurst, IL. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Les Turner ALS Foundation in her honor.
Caryl O'Brien, age 67, grew up in Wood Dale, IL and worked for Elmhurst Memorial Hospital for 42 years. Beloved daughter of George and Marion O'Brien; loving sister of Lynn Penkava; dear cousin of Lynda Glass; fond aunt of Jennifer (Danny),... View Obituary & Service Information