Mary J. O’Neil
Friday, June 11, 1926
Date of Death:
Sunday, January 14, 2018
Age:
91 years old
Friday, June 11, 1926
Date of Death:
Sunday, January 14, 2018
Age:
91 years old
Friday, June 11, 1926
Date of Death:
Sunday, January 14, 2018
Age:
91 years old
Mary J. O’Neil
Mary J. O’Neil, 91, of Rochester, died Sunday morning, January 14, 2018, at Edenbrook Rochester.
She was born Mary Jane Schmidt on June 11, 1926 in Pepin Township, Wabasha County to George and Bernice (Ryan) Schmidt. She attended school in the Lake City area. After graduating, she moved to Rochester to work as a Transcriptionist at Mayo Clinic. She also worked part-time at a popular popcorn stand in downtown Rochester where she met John “Jack” A. O’Neil. They were married on October 11, 1952 at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church in Lake City. They farmed in rural Eyotauntil their retirement when they moved to Rochester.
Mary was a member of the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Eyota; she taught catechism and was a member of the Ladies Church Auxiliary. She enjoyed raising her five children, caring for a large garden, canning, baking, babysitting, and opening her home to friends and family in need.
After her husband John’s death in 1987, she enjoyed taking care of her three grandchildren, her pets, her flowers, and going to the casino. At that time, she was a member of St. John’s the Evangelist in Rochester.
Mary is survived by two sons, John (Gretchen) of Eyota and Tom (Deb) of Winona; two daughters, Mary and Patricia, both of Rochester; two grandchildren, Bailey (Russ) Stierlen of Hinesville, GA and Austin (fiancé Kelly Rosenblad) of Rochester; and one great-grandchild,Stierlen due in February; two sisters, Marguerite “Peg” Marquette of Sacramento, CA, and Kathleen (William) Hollman of Lake City; two brothers, Francis (Rita) Schmidt of Plainview, and George Schmidt of Rochester; many nieces and nephews; and her closest and dearest friend, Lucille Kuhl.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John “Jack”; her parents; one daughter, Peggy; one granddaughter, Kelsey; two sisters, Dorothy Sexton and Elaine Dammann; and two brothers, Thomas Schmidt and John Schmidt.
A special thank you to the staff at Edenbrook of Rochester and Season’s Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to the MN Braille and Talking Book Library in Faribault,MN, which provided her with hours of entertainment; or to Camp Companion for her love of animals.
Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 19th in River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home with Rev. Donald J. Schmitz officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.
Condolences
The family of Mary J. O’Neil has received the following condolences.
Mary O and family so sorry for your loss of your Mom it is never easy I remember meeting her years ago when you took me to the farm she was always so happy! I know how you all took great care of her. She will be missed May God give you comfort at this time. Call me sometime and we can get together. Keeping your Mom and all of you in our prayers Love always Deanna and Bruce
We are sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace in the hands of God.
Ron & Wini
John, Gretchen and family,
Please accept my sincere condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
I met you through Kim D a bit back and wanted you to know I'm very sorry for your loss.
The passing of a mother is always a loss no matter what the circumstances. I wish you peace as you grieve the loss of your family member and say your goodbyes to her. May you support each other at this time and find appreciation for all that each of you did while she was alive to make her last years as comfortable as possible.
Sincerely,
Carol Bailey
friend of Trish's
Dear family, I was so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. She was a fun lady. She always had a smile on her face. She would take her brother's teasing and give it back. She would say, Oh Francis or Oh George or Oh John now. She will be missed in the family circle. God Bless. Linda
Bob saw a notice of your Mom's passing yesterday. So sorry for your loss but I know it had been expected. So many fond memories and her loss will be felt my many. You realize it was your dear Mother who invited me to the woman's auxiliary meeting from Hold Redeemer at the farm. As a newly wed and new Mom of two and a new convert to the Catholic Church, she was the one that introduced me to the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church community back in the early 70's and what a blessing that has been for me in so many ways She was such a good babysitter and was so good to Shelley and Dawn and us when we were brand new to the neighborhood. Condolences and will see you Friday.