Elliot's Education, in honor of Natalie O'Brian

Natalie was passionate about many things, but there was nothing on this planet she loved more than her son, Elliot. She created so many incredible things--from scrumptious foods to inspiring paintings--but none of her creations were as masterful as Elliot. He is Natalie in a miniature, male form. He is wildly clever, sincerely hilarious, beautifully creative, and empathetic to the extreme. He is also so truly gifted. Elliot himself has big hopes and dreams and lives life passionately and fully, just like his mama. We are hoping that we can honor Natalie's rich and beautiful life by pouring into Elliot and supporting him in pursuing his educational dreams. At the time of Natalie's passing, Elliot was three days shy of his 12th birthday. All funds will go toward an educational trust.

Natalie Flynn O’Brian graced this world with her vibrant presence on December 28, 1990. God knew her family needed her—she was the final daughter in a family full of girls. From the moment of her first breath, Natalie was a strong and resilient warrior. Lovingly known as “Pip” to her family, Natalie delighted them all with her wild-child, hilarious, brilliant, and creative spirit. Anyone who ever knew Natalie knew instantly that she was passionate, kindhearted, and resilient. Natalie’s nickname of Pip was bestowed to her early on in life, reminding her family of the character Pippi Longstocking—playful yet wildly unpredictable. In this life, she crafted strong and long-lasting relationships, awe-inspiring artwork, and her masterpiece is her son, Elliot Flynn.

Pip wanted this world to be a better place for him—for everyone. She truly could not wrap her mind around hatred, cruelty, selfishness, racism, prejudice, or any other injustice. She wanted everyone’s voice to be heard and for every person to know they mattered. She was, beyond a shadow of a doubt, the most empathetic person anyone has ever known. The only solace we can find in her passing is that she does not have to experience this inexpressible grief. The best way to honor Pip is to live a life that is honest, kind, compassionate, and genuine. Help those around you who do not ask for it. Treat Mother Nature with kindness and respect. Stop and smell the roses. Compliment a stranger and do kind gestures every single day. Go the extra mile. Tend to your mental health. And love all people—ALL, regardless of any differences. The world would be better with more Natalies, and now we are short one of the best, so we have some slack to pick up. If you feel like you would like to do something in addition to these things, a fund is being set up to help support her son Elliot. Contributions would be greatly appreciated. Natalie is preceded in death by her stepfather, David Alexander, her paternal grandparents, Leon and Libby O'Brian of Branson, MO, her maternal grandparents, William and Betty Finnell of Jefferson City, MO, her aunt Peggy Dotson of Branson, MO, her uncle Lee O'Brian of Branson, MO, her cousin Greg O'Brian of Branson, MO, and her sister Kimberly O'Brian. Natalie left behind countless people who truly treasured every moment she gave us in the 31 years she was around. In addition to her precious son, Elliot, she leaves behind the love of her life, Sebastian "Sebo" Gely of Columbia, her mom, Susan Jane Alexander of Columbia, her dad, Steven O'Brian, of Columbia, sisters Jessica Weidler of Linn, MO, Bridget London of Los Angeles, CA, Andrea Robinson O'Brian of Columbia, and Stephanie O'Brian of Searcy, AR. Natalie also had several nieces and nephews whom she loved fiercely. As a CNA at Boone Hospital, we also know she has left behind many patients, colleagues, and friends who benefitted richly from her jovial spirit.