Susan Rae Merritt O'Brien

The family of Susan Rae Merritt O’Brien, 81, is deeply saddened to announce her passing following a brief illness on Monday, July 11, 2022. A native of Wilmington, North Carolina, Susan was born August 13, 1940, at James Walker Memorial Hospital to the late Joseph Thurman and Ines Lee Holland Merritt. Susan was the Medical Laboratory Director for the New Hanover County Health Department when she retired. She enjoyed and was very dedicated to a long 40-year career in Laboratory Medicine. She was highly active in multiple public health organizations including the Eastern District of the N.C. Public Health Association; the N.C. Public Health Association (Laboratory Section) and the Southern Health Association in which she held many positions including President. Susan received numerous awards for her service including the prestigious Watson S. Rankin Award in 1991 from the N.C. Public Health Association for significant contributions to Public Health in N.C. In 2002 from the Laboratory Section of the NC Public Health Association she received the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award which became the Susan M. O’Brien Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of outstanding accomplishments and contributions to laboratory services in N.C. Public Health. Also in 2002, Governor Michael Easley presented her with a Certificate of Appreciation for her dedication and service to North Carolina. Susan was a proud graduate of New Hanover High School class of 1958. She graduated from the University of N.C. at Chapel Hill with a BS in Medical Technology and an AB in History. In 1958 she was admitted into UNC Chapel Hill as a member of President Friday’s “Fabulous 50”, the first (50) women admitted as freshman into the General College at UNC. Susan also had an amazing talent for decorating, crocheting, needlepoint, cross stitching and sewing, and loved to share that talent in the form of Afghans, pillows, and other projects with all her family and friends. Susan loved her family (including many fur babies over the years), friends and her CAROLINA TARHEELS!! She was loved by all and will be missed more than words can express. Susan is survived by her daughter Merritt O’Brien (Robert); sisters JoEllen Merritt Allen, Jenny Louise Merritt, and special “sister” Carol Ann Haugen; her fur baby “Zoie” as well as a large community of loving cousins, extended family members, friends and former colleagues. An informal Celebration of Her Life will be held on Saturday, August 13th, from 1:00 – 3:00 pm at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Garner. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the SPCA of Wake County or Safe Haven for Cats. Condolences may be made to the family at bryan-leefuneralhome.com