Olivia French-O'Bannon

Olivia French-O'Bannon, 40, passed away unexpectedly at her home in Gackle, North Dakota after years of dealing with depression.

Olivia, the youngest of three siblings of Paul and Sue O'Bannon was born on March 31, 1975 in St. Paul, MN. She had enjoyed the time spent growing up in North St Paul before her family ventured north to Park Rapids, MN

As a young woman she had held her family and friends close to heart and her love of cats was evident. She attended school in Park Rapids. From there she ventured south to Rochester where she continued furthering her education and was brought the delightful joy of motherhood to her first born, Samantha June.

She entered into marriage with George French and soon the days were shared with births of Severin, Javlyn, Savannah and Jordyn French. They were the light of her life.

From Rochester, she moved back north then to Arizona, Colorado and finally settling in North Dakota. With the moves came more challenges and her desire to keep learning. She was a home care provider but her favorite job was homemaker and mother to her children.

On Sunday, November 29, 2015 Olivia joined her father in heaven, whom she had never really gotten over the initial loss of.

Survivors include her children: Samantha June O'Bannon, Severin, Javlyn, Savannah and Jordyn; Mother: Sue Sheldon; Sister: Lana-Jo (Jeremiah) Johnson; Brother: Michael P. O'Bannon; Nieces: Melissa (Derek) Mickelson, Katelynn Kimball, and Sadie O'Bannon; Nephews: William and Wyatt Kimball. Along with many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

She is preceded in death by her father, Paul O'Bannon and grandparents.

While we will forever question her reasoning for her decision, we need to remember that depression is an illness and those that suffer can sometimes find no inner peace until they are free from the demons that haunt them. And we at least know now that she is at peace….

In the spring to come, Olivia's final journey will come to rest when she is buried alongside her father in Detroit Lakes with a Circle of Life Memorial. A notice will be placed in the local paper to allow others to come and share their wonderful memories and bid farewell.