Aislinn Deirdre Rose O'Brien

Aislinn OBrien passed away peacefully on September 19th at her home in Champaign, in the company of friends, her devoted husband Dave Dubin, and her beloved Siamese cats Topo Gigio, Stella Luna, Merlin Oisin, and Naoise Dubh. She was 58.

Aislinn was born January 16, 1961 in Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania to Joseph and Anne (McGroarty) OBrien. At a very early age she developed a passion for physical fitness and mind/ body disciplines. She studied classical dance at the Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet under John and Margarita de Sa White, completing an intensive course in the Vaganova method teacher training in 1994. Aislinn attended St. Josephs University in Philadelphia PA where she studied English Literature, German, and Theatre Arts, graduating cum laude in 1996.

Aislinn and Dave relocated to Illinois in 1996, where she became an enthusiastic fitness instructor. She taught classes and workshops at a variety of local fitness and recreation centers, with her longest professional connection at the Urbana Park District. She taught a wide range of topics, from ballet basics and yoga for children to senior strengtheners and fall prevention. Aislinn drew on her acting training and numerous certifications in exercise, yoga, and the martial arts for a blended and playful approach to wellness, while scrupulously attending to safety and correctness of form. She was much beloved by her students, fellow teachers, and classmates for her profound kindness and her steadfast commitment to maximizing each participants full potential.

Aislinn faced her final illness with courage, equanimity, and faith in God, embodying the yogic principles by which she lived: simplicity, positive thinking, non-violence, and total self-collectedness. She was profoundly grateful for the outpouring of love and support she received from family, friends, neighbors, caregivers, her community and her church. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her devoted husband Dave Dubin, 3 sisters [Mary Claire (Francis OBrien) of Winston-Salem NC, Frances (Darrell) Leon of Oak Lawn IL, Christina (Jeff Jelen) OBrien of Chicago IL], one brother Connell Joseph OBrien of Evergreen CO, four nieces, five nephews, and many friends. We will all miss Aislinns passion for music, her dedication to animals, and her quirky sense of humor.

A Mass of The Resurrection will be celebrated for Aislinn at 10:30am on Saturday, October 5, 2019 at Exaltation of the Holy Cross Catholic Church at 405 W. Clark Street in Champaign. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Aislinns memory to the Siamese Cat Rescue Center in Locus Dale, Virginia. va.siameserescue.org