Susan Jane O'Neill

Susan Jane O’Neill of West Hartford, CT died on July 23, 2023, surrounded by her husband and children. She was born in Chicago, IL on June 14, 1935, the daughter of the late Daniel and Jane (Newburg) McMahon. She graduated from St. Scholastica Academy in Chicago where she was class president for her final two years and was very involved with musical and theatrical productions. She then attended Clark College (now University) in Dubuque, IA and obtained her R.N. degree from St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing in Chicago where she was class president in her final year. After obtaining her nursing degree. Sue went on a summer long student tour in Europe. J. Ward O’Neill was also on the tour. They fell in love and she accepted his marriage proposal in Salzburg, Austria after knowing each other for only 6 weeks. They married two years later when Ward graduated from college. What began as a fairy tale, improbable romance lasted for 63 years. Sue loved nursing. She balanced her nursing capabilities with caring for her family. During her 40-year career she worked in doctors’ offices, schools, hospitals and nursing homes in Chicago, Fitchburg, MA (while Ward was in the Army at Ft. Devens) on Staten Island, New York, Greenwich and Stamford, CT. Sue was also an active volunteer in community and church affairs everywhere she lived. The organizations included Covenant House in New York City, a refuge for homeless teens, Greenwich Health Association where they lived for 23 years, and Lake Sunapee Region VNA and Hospice. Her nursing experience and empathetic nature gave her the ability to sympathize with, and give advice to, those who sought her guidance and counsel. After she and Ward retired, they spent 20 wonderful years in New London, NH, volunteering with a number of organizations. The children and grandchildren loved coming to “Nana’s house” year round for winter and summer sports. She and her husband moved to the McAuley in West Hartford, a life care community, in 2015 to be closer to family. Sue was a terrific Wife, Mother, Nana and close friend to many. All who know Sue valued her friendship. She will be missed but not forgotten. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Ward O’Neill, children James O’Neill (Joan Skidgell) of Ridgefield, CT, Margaret O’Neill (Randall Sabia) of West Hartford, CT, Patricia (David) Smith of Riverside, CT and Daniel (Cara) O’Neill of Wilton, CT. Also 8 grandchildren – Luke, Madeline, Sophia, and Reed O’Neill, James and Joseph Sabia, and Samuel and Jack Smith. She is also survived by her sister, Patricia (Douglas) Askew of Gahanna, OH, her brother Daniel (Peggy) of Dayton, MD, her brother in law Charles (Katherine) O’Neill of Brooklyn, NY and a number of nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank the aides from New England Nightingales and the staff at St. Mary Home for the care provided to Sue. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on August 18 at 11 a.m. at St. Peter Claver Church, 47 Pleasant St. West Hartford. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, West Hartford. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to The McAuley Residents’ Association 275 Steele Rd. West Hartford, CT 06117 or The Lake Sunapee Region Visiting Nurse Association, 107 Newport Rd., New London, NH 03257

Susan Jane O'Neill

June 14, 1935 - July 23, 2023