Ronny Margaret O’Brien, 57, passed away unexpectedly on March 5, 2026.
She was born on June 5,1968 in Pompton Plains, New Jersey, to Susan Mary (Perrault) O’Brien and Ronald King. Throughout her life, she was fortunate to have two fathers—Ronald King and John O’Brien—each of whom played an important part in raising her during different stages of her life. Ronny spent her early years in New Jersey before moving with her family to Pennsylvania.
Ronny was a graduate of West Side Vocational Technical School and Bloomsburg University. She was recently pursuing her doctorate at Holy Family University, a reflection of her lifelong dedication to learning and education. Ronny devoted many years to working within the school system, a role she dearly loved. Although she had recently retired, she often expressed how much she missed her students and the purpose her work brought to her life.
Ronny lived with a joyful and free spirit. She loved spending time at the beach, going to outdoor concerts, camping, and enjoying nature whenever she could—in fact a fellow teacher shared that one day on the way to work she saw a beautiful pond and couldn’t resist it—she just had to stop, take off her shoes, and go right in. She could be so “random’ at times, but that is what made her truly unique, fun, and full of life. She was known for her humor, her easy smile, and her ability to make people laugh. Her students remembered her as a caring, enthusiastic teacher who brought warmth and light into the classroom. People often joked that Ronny was the type who would “give you the shirt off her back—and probably throw in a snack and a hug, too.” Helping people wasn’t something she had to think about; it was just who she was. She had a big-hearted generosity and a natural instinct to help anyone who needed it.
Family was important to Ronny. Ronny was immensely proud of her son, Joshua Tubbs, speaking often of his accomplishments. As her only child, Joshua held a very special place in her heart. She loved talking about him and sharing his accomplishments, the things he was working toward, and the person he had become. Ronny’s partner, Daniel Deputy, had been by her side as her companion and partner for 13 years. The two shared many adventures together, especially their love of fishing, camping and traveling. Ronny loved talking about their trip to Hawaii—she lit up every time she mentioned how beautiful it was. It became one of her favorite memories, the kind she loved to share with a smile. Ronny was also exceptionally proud of her sister, Kristy O’Brien. She admired Kristy’s strength through life’s ups and downs and loved bragging about the day Kristy welcomed Ronny’s nephew, Jade Gunnar Toler, into the world—born on June 5th, the very same day as Ronny. Ronny loved to say that sharing a birthday with him made their bond feel even more special. Ronny also shared a unique lifelong connection with her Aunt Sherry Madl—born just 16 hours apart. They grew up like twins, and although life sometimes got busy and time would pass, the moment they reconnected, it was as if no time had passed at all. Their bond was effortless, deep, and lifelong—one that remained strong no matter the distance or the days in between. In fact, just this past summer, she surprised Aunt Sherry by popping up out of nowhere at her home in Florida—no warning, no plan, just classic Ronny. The two of them ended up having the best time together. They ended up hanging out, taking long walks, and binge‑watching old episodes of Three’s Company.
Ronny is preceded in death by her mother, Susan Mary O’Brien; her father, John O’Brien; and her brother, Jacob O’Brien. Ronny is survived by her son Joshua Tubbs and wife Brittany; partner Daniel Deputy, father Ronald King, sister Kristy O’Brien and great‑nephew Jade Gunnar Toller, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and cherished friends.
Ronny will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever deeply loved. Although her purpose here on Earth is complete, the lives she touched will continue to carry her purpose forward. Her bright spirit, loving heart, and joyful presence will live on through all who knew and loved her.
Family will receive friends from 9:30 to 11:00 am on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Heller Funeral Home, LLC, 633 E Third St, Nescopeck. A graveside service will follow at 11:30 am in St Mary’s Cemetery, Mocanaqua.
Online messages of comfort for her family may be sent to condolences@HellerFuneralHomeLLC.com