Margaret Rose O'Brien

May 28, 1950 -

May 4, 2026

Margaret Rose O'Brien, 75, of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away on May 4, 2026.

Born on May 28, 1950, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Margaret was a woman of extraordinary intellect, quiet determination and deep loyalty to her friends and family. She built a remarkable life defined by tireless dedication to her community as a municipal planner both during her two years of service in the Peace Corps in Botswana, Africa, and later as a senior municipal planner during her decades long commitment to the community of Anchorage. Her life was marked by the loyal bonds of family, including her cherished sisters, Mary Melin and Jane O'Brien; adoring niece, Madalyn Melin; adoring nephews, Arthur Melin, Robert Melin and Nicholas Melin; as well as her lifelong best friend, Cora Weaver, and dear friend, Lori Blake, among many others.

Margaret devoted 34 years of distinguished service to the Municipality of Anchorage as a Senior Planner, where her brilliance, foresight and practical approach to municipal planning and safety leaves a lasting imprint on the city's growth and development to this day. She was respected by colleagues and community members alike for her sharp mind and master's degree in planning, with which she provided brilliant and timely solutions to complex planning challenges. A testament to the depth of her vision and the enduring value of her contributions - the plans she devised during her 34 years of work are still in use to this day in the Municipality of Anchorage and continue to guide the vision and future planning for her community. She was, in every sense, a true professional, who took deep pride in attention to the details of her work. The difference her plans and tireless work ethic made in the lives of Anchorage residents will be felt long into the future by those she served so well.

Margaret's fierce intelligence was matched only by her wry wit and joyous laugh. Her generosity of spirit and profound loyalty and love for her dearest friends and family will stay forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Margaret was loved enormously by her friends and family and she will be profoundly missed.