Gretchen Brechin

Gretchen Brechin

January 20, 1962 - July 1, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Gretchen O'Brien Brechin, who passed peacefully in the early morning hours of Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at the age of 63 in Tucker, Georgia, after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

Gretchen was born in Seattle, Washington, to Dr. Mary O'Brien and the late Richard O'Brien. After living in multiple places, both domestic and abroad, her family settled in Tucker, Georgia, where she grew up and raised her own family.

While attending Georgia State University, she met her husband of almost 38 years, Brad. Together, they raised their three children, Sarah, Anna, and Bryce. Gretchen was actively involved in her kids' lives, taking them to many places, both locally and nationally, to ensure they had a wealth of experiences.

Professionally, Gretchen had a successful banking career at Wachovia Corporate before taking time off to raise her children. Years later, she worked as the office manager at an architectural firm in Atlanta. She was also active in the community, volunteering at local events, serving in leadership roles with the Girl Scouts, Smoke Rise Elementary School PTA, and the Mountain Creek neighborhood. She also maintained close friendships with her Alpha Xi Delta sorority sisters. Gretchen will be remembered for her kindness, determination, and love of community.

She is survived by her husband Brad Brechin, daughters Sarah Brechin and Anna (Jesse) Brechin Fernandez, son Bryce (Morgan) Brechin, mother Mary O'Brien, brothers Mark (Karey) O'Brien, Paul (Suzanne) O'Brien and Alan O'Brien, nieces, nephews, and countless family and friends. Gretchen will also be survived by her granddaughter, arriving later this year. She is preceded in death by her father, Richard O'Brien.

A Celebration of Life to remember Gretchen will be held on Saturday, July 12, at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church at 11:00 am ET. Following the service, the family invites you to a shared meal. All who knew and loved her are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta and St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Tucker, Georgia.