WINDSOR, VT
Joan F. O'Neill, 85, a longtime resident of Windsor, passed away Thursday evening, May 24 at the Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center in Windsor.
She was born November 22, 1926 in Waterbury, VT the daughter of Clifford and Edith (Morris) Collins. She received her schooling in Waterbury. She married Francis J. O'Neill in Waterbury on July 14, 1951. They moved to Windsor in 1953. Joan was a loving wife and mother and took great pleasure in raising her children. She also was known as a second mother to many of her nieces and nephews. She served as a foster mother to ninety nine children through the Vermont Children's Aid Society in Springfield and was recognized as Mother of the Year in 1985 by the Windsor Chronicle.
Mrs. O'Neill had a strong faith and was a longtime member of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Windsor where she was a member of the Catholic Daughters Court of St. Francis. She also served as a Eucharistic minister at the church and had brought the Eucharist to many residents at local nursing homes and hospitals.
She enjoyed jigsaw puzzles and playing mini golf. Joan kept an immaculate home and took great pride in her appearance. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Mr. O'Neill passed away on October 27, 2005. She was also predeceased by four brothers and six sisters.
Survivors include five sons, David O'Neill and his wife, Elaina of Barre, VT, Kevin O'Neill of Canaan, NH, Kim O'Neill and his wife, Patricia of Windsor, VT, Christopher O'Neill and his wife, Sharon of Ascutney, VT and Patrick O'Neill and his wife, Kathleen of Windsor, one daughter, Patricia Fish and her husband, John of Bellows Falls, VT, thirteen grandchildren, Elizabeth, Heather, Rebecca, Kevin, Kane, Thomas, Christopher, Joshua, Sarah, Hannah, Megan, John and JoAnne, two great grandchildren, one sister, Martha Hooper of Des Moines, IA, several nieces and nephews.
Friends may call at the Knight Funeral Home on Monday evening, May 28 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. The Rosary will be recited at 7:30 PM.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, May 29, at 10:00 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Windsor. The Rev. Raphael Nyabenda, Pastor, will be the Celebrant. A reception for family and friends will follow at Fellowship Hall at the church.
Committal services will follow at 2:00 PM in the Holy Rosary Cemetery in Richmond, VT.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Francis of Assisi Church at PO Box 46, Windsor, VT 05089.