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BreAtchison

Image by Nick Andréka

BREANNE ATCHISON

(née O’Bray)

May 1, 1981 – April 6, 2021

Creative, fun-loving, spontaneous, sentimental, mischievous, compassionate, and fierce - this was our Breanne; and it is with broken hearts that we announce her passing on April 6, 2021, in the Health Sciences Centre, at the age of 39.

Bre will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her husband Chris; sons, Austyn, Christopher, and Ethan; parents, Debbie and Kelly; brother Graham; sister-in-law Sydney; niece Rowan; grandmas, Sophie Schaitel and Dorothy O’Bray; grandpa Darryl Schaitel (Gerri McLean); and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, all of whom she adored.  Bre was warmly welcomed into heaven by her grandpa Larry, where they are almost certainly on angel time out for getting into mischief.

As a young girl Bre was into everything; baseball, ringette, baton, karate, and playing practical jokes on her brother, to name just a few.  Her instrument of choice was the cello, which was almost as big as she was.  But that was the point. “Just watch me” she said, and her personal mantra was born. Bre’s loved ones know all too well that when she set out to make something happen, resistance was futile, it was going to happen.   

Bre and Chris were soulmates, inseparable since the day they met, just before her 14th birthday. Together they raised their boys in a home that was bustling, loud, and filled with love.  Over time, fur babies Bentley, Hampton, Luna, and Saide the St. Bernard joined the family and became Bre’s constant companions.

As a youth support worker, Bre supported young mothers who were making important life changes so they could retain or regain, custody of their children.  These young moms thrived under Bre’s nurturing but firm hand.  She loved the work, but ultimately decided that her calling was at home with her boys.  Mama Bear Bre was always there for her sons’ friends; and she welcomed them into their home at anytime of day or night.  She was especially close to Kaden, Derik, and Ashton, whom she considered family.  

A prolific online shopper, Bre was a firm believer in using the good dishes and wearing the new clothes. She did not subscribe to the notion of “saving things for special” – she felt strongly that every day is special.  How right you were, sweet Breanne.

Thank you to the extraordinary people on GA3 and SICU at the Health Sciences Centre for taking such loving care of Bre.  And to the friends who have and continue to support our family through this difficult journey, words cannot adequately express our gratitude for the outpouring of love – you know who you are.

 

An Irish wake celebrating Bre’s life will be held when larger gatherings are permitted.  We look forward to sharing stories of happy times and take comfort in the knowledge that we will be together again.  Family is Forever.  For those who wish to celebrate Bre’s memory now; we encourage you to treat yourself to that special something you’ve been eyeing.  Use the good dishes and wear the new clothes; every day is special.

Bre’s family kindly requests that her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by watching the photo-biography above. Please, also consider sharing your own photos and/or sharing your own memories and stories using the comment section on this page.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. John’s Ambulance Therapy Dog Program (www.sja.ca)  or a charity of your choice.

 

Bre, your order has shipped.
Thank you.

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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BarbaraCBostian

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

She was a beautiful spirit and you truly all loved her fiercely.  I am so very saddened for this tremendous loss, and so very glad that you have such supportive friends and family.  

Bonnie

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Thoughts and prayers are with you Debbie and Kelly and the rest of Bre’s family.  Bonnie Hart

Sheila Gauthier

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Dear Deb & Kelly, and Graham and all those who loved and knew Breanne condolences for your loss. You two have always put your family first and I can only imagine what you all have been navigating. Beautiful tribute to Bri. Take care of one another. Rest. With love. 

Brenlee Groening

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

I only met Breanne a few times when she was younger. In reading these tributes she sounds like she was one of a kind and very much Loved beautiful girl. ❤️❤️

Auntie Sue

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Tonight I will find you in the sky as a bright star.  Bre was a beautiful sole  who was always thinking of others. She was a wonderful mother who together with Chris raised 3 young men that will have a piece of Bre’s beautiful spirit forever.  ❤️  Much love Auntie Sue.

Andy Adolphe

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Debbie, Kelly and family, so sorry for your loss,my sympathies,Andy

Ken & Jeff Blankstein-Ure

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Jeff & I will be thinking & praying for Breanne & for your Families🌹 She will always be with you...& will never forgotten. Ken & Jeff Blankstein-Ure

Gerry and Annette Bingham and Family

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Kelly, Debbie and Family--So sorry for your loss. Will keep you in our thoughts and prayers

Rob & Linda Hawley

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Kelly and Debbie and family - Our sincere sympathies  are with you during this very sad time.  May you find peace and comfort  in your warm memories of Bre. 

Lise Perrin

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Debbie, I was so saddened to have read of the passing of your daughter.  What a beautiful obituary and video tribute.  I will keep you close in my thoughts and will pray for you during this difficult time.   I am so sorry for your loss.   From Lise Perrin (Debbie’s former coworker)

Bill Toews

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Debbie, So sorry for your loss.  Sending you strength and prayers. Bill Toews

Alyssa Rajotte

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

I remember many summers spent at Albert Beach, making mischief in the lake, laughing easily, and putting on plays, with Breanne. As a young girl, Breanne was a special friend for me. I can still remember putting towels over our heads, waking down the beach with walking sticks, doing voices, and pretending to be “old ladies”. Breanne was a kind friend who I didn’t see much after our childhood, but I thought of her often, and remembered how much fun I had with her. I am so sorry for the entire O’Bray family. I am thinking of you all. 

Deb Vokey

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

I met you in the hallway of my apartment block. You and your mom.... I put down the plant I had just bought at K-Mart to talk. You were 2 ish. When the conversation ended you grabbed the plant by it's leaves and handed it to me. The plant thrived regardless of its crushed leaves. I remember our interaction well at that first meeting. Sorry Deb...you not as much. Bre you were larger than life already.  I to believe in using the good dishes.... It makes life special. Your artistic flair and taste is valued. You gave me the courage to paint my deck red. Best advice ever! Please watch over me and help me make wise decisions with my decor and foster dogs. Love you!

Graham O'Bray

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

To the best big sister I could have ever asked for! You always had my back and taught me how to have fun and get into mischief. You will be forever missed, love your little Bro - Graham Xoxo

Austyn Atchison

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Irreplaceable. Unforgettable. One of a kind. - In loving memories of Breanne Atchison ❤

Blair Christopher Atchison

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

 if you  could see this now-- which I know you can... maybe that's why you're in timeout. you always and forever will be the best thing to have ever happened to everyone you were around. I remember the great times with you because that really is all there was. ' i cannot thank you enough for not only creating me but showing me love compassion the knowledge I need,  to without a doubt keep making you proud. i am more than excited for you to watch over me and our family. Until we meet again. love you mamma bear  from "christopher" o

Marilyn Catellier And Fred Hebert

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Sending our sincere condolences' to Austyn, Christopher and Ethan. Losing your mom, the love of your life must be so difficult. Our hearts are with you all.  Big Hugs for you all. Bon Courage!  ❤

Shannon Rait

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

I am truly sorry for your loss and wish you comfort and peace. Debbie, I know that we have lost touch over the years, but I have thought of you often and will continue to keep you and your entire family in my thoughts. I believe that Breanne is watching over all of you and trust you will feel her loving presence. ❤ Shannon

Debbie

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

My precious girl, Breezy.  Abraham Lincoln famously stated  "It's not the years in your life that count, it's the life in your years."  You packed so much life and so much love into your 39 short years.  Thank you for teaching me to stop and smell the roses, and to make time for life's simple pleasures. It's in the small moments that cherished memories are made. I am a better person for having loved you and having been loved by you - we all are.  As we celebrate you today, on your 40th birthday, my heart is filled with gratitude for the many memories that I will treasure always. We know that you are watching over us from heaven, and we'll do our best to make sure that you are happy with what you see.  Bre, I love you to the moon and back.  Until we meet again...       Mom  XOXO ❤

Chris

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

My love, my baby. my soulmate you are and will always be my heart. The loss of bre has been very difficult for me. Words can’t explain how much you are missed and how special you are. Your legacy will live forever. Bre I love you and miss you more with every passing day.  Love you always and forever!

Erin Kennedy

September 25, 2024 at 7:31 PM

This is the face I will always remember when  I think of you. You have always been larger than life and had an amazing way of bringing fun to the most unpleasant situations. We have experienced a lot of life together and I'm sorry that I took for granted that we would have many more years to complete our adventures. We scraped our knees together, crushed on boys together, gotten into more trouble than I can even remember together....I love you to the moon and back Miss Queen Bre.  My most deepest condolences to Chris, Austyn, Christopher and Ethan, Auntie Deb and Uncle Kelly, Graham, Syd and Rowan, our hearts are with you 
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