Date of Birth:
Monday, April 11, 1938
Date of Death:
Sunday, June 2, 2019
Age:
81 years old

Nancy Joyce O’Neill

Nancy O’Neill, 81, of Rochester, MN, died Sunday, June 2, 2019 at Seasons Hospice House surrounded by family.

Nancy was born April 11, 1938 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN to Harry and Nellie (Snow) Fryer. Her mother, Nellie would later state that the day Nancy was born, rain that fell that day were actually tears of joy from the angels above.

Nancy attended St. John’s Grade School and Lourdes High School. She was a bit of a rebel as a child having dyed her hair green, piercing her ears, smoking, and burning her school uniform right after graduation.

She was married on June 23, 1956 at St. John’s Catholic Church. A year later, Nancy moved to a farm in rural Rochester where she became a homemaker and a mother to her seven children. Nancy was diagnosed in 1990 with end stage COPD. Soon after, she divorced and moved back into town with her youngest son, and purchased a new car and forever home.

Nancy belonged to the Altar Society at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church and was an active member for over thirty years. She enjoyed playing cards in a card club with her friends.

While on the farm, Nancy acquired many skills, including sewing, cooking, gardening, canning, doing upholstery, making home repairs, and completing farm chores. The top two joys in her life were taking great care of her children and the feeling of being needed, whether she was giving others a helping hand or useful advice. Nancy always wanted to remain in her home until the very end, but with a heavy heart chose to go to the hospice house knowing it would be easier for her children.

Nancy faithfully watched the Catholic mass every Sunday morning for the past 27 years. Recently, her hobbies included watching The Voice and American Idol. She also enjoyed reading the first two books of The Harry Potter series.

Her grandfather, Irwin Snow, called her “Joy”, which is an appropriate epithet whether Nancy is remembered as a sister, aunt, cousin, mother, or friend. Nancy found joy throughout her life and she loved caring for her flowers, the birds, and the people around her.

Nancy is survived by her children, Bridget (Tony) Mueller, Jeff O’Neill, Joe O’Neill, Colleen (Daryl) Mowrer, Jerry O’Neill, and Andy O’Neill (all of Rochester); daughter-in-law, Kathy O’Neill; nine grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters; siblings, Robert Fryer (Austin, MN), Gail Fieck (Grand Meadow, MN), and Charlie (Arla) Fryer (Fairbury, NE); sisters-in-law, Marilyn Fryer, Peggy O’Neill, Phyllis O’Neill, and Nancy Nelson; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her brother, Richard Fryer, sister, Pam Gilsrud, and son, Tim O’Neill.

The family wishes to express gratitude to Seasons Hospice for their care and compassion.