Kathleen “Kathy” Elaine O'Neil
October 15, 1951 ~ February 24, 2025
Born in:
North Yarmouth, ME
Resided in:
Portland, ME
Kathleen “Kathy” Elaine O’Neil passed away at her home surrounded by her family on February 24, 2025, at the age of 73. She was born at home in North Yarmouth, Maine on October 15, 1951, to Kenneth and Dorothy Linsenmeyer Kelley. After she graduated from Scarborough High School, she married and had her first child, Robert Dyer. In 1985 she married William “Bill” O’Neil, of Portland, Maine, and together they had five children: Patrice, William, Kathryn, Keleigh, and Michael. Before taking on nurturing her children as her primary job, she had a few other ones over the years, including working at Happy Wheels Roller Rink, holding various receptionist positions, and having a short (not spectacular) stint as a used car salesperson. She was a lover and collector of books, turning a room in their home into a library. She loved to laugh, and she had a wonderful one. You could hear it when she was watching 90’s action comedies or ribbing Bill about their Red Sox and Yankees rivalry. She loved drinking Salada tea in the morning, every morning, with milk and sugar; her annual banana split from The Dairy Corner; and her reserves of jelly beans. More than anything else, she loved her family. She is survived by Bill; her kids; her grandchildren, Shelby, Carly, Brooklyn, Charlie, Christopher, Dalis, Maverick, Jacalyn, Devynn, Tegann, Deaglan, Mark, Madison, Liam, Quinn, and Audrey; her sisters, Kelley and Karen; and a large extended family. She was predeceased by her parents and seven siblings. Brain Cancer is dreadful. Kathy’s family would like to thank Dr. Christine Lu-Emerson and PA’s Sarah Couture and Sam Gagnon from MaineHealth Cancer Care for their compassionate efforts. The family is also grateful for Bill’s sisters Priscilla and Patty for all their help over the past year and Jenn and the staff at Northern Light Hospice for their compassionate service to her in her last weeks. Family and friends are invited to visiting hours on Monday, March 3, 2025 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at the Conroy Tully Walker Funeral Home of South Portland, 1024 Broadway with a Funeral Service to start at 6:00pm. Kathy was the kindest, most selfless person we ever knew. Remember the next time you split a hermit cookie in two, take the smallest piece; Kathy always would.
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So sorry Bill, Alli and I send our condolences….
“Will, I’m so sorry to hear about your mom. She seemed like an extraordinary person and an incredible mom. “
Kathy was an adorable..free spirit and fun loving class mate. She had an easy smile and was liked by everyone. May she rest in peace. Prayers for comfort to all in her family. Class of 69
She has the finest children I ever met. My sincere condolences.
“Our heartfelt condolences to the O’Neil family. May this tree grow as a lasting tribute to the impact Kathleen made and the love she shared. “
We are sad to hear of your mom’s passing. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers for peace and healing. We will plant a cherry tree this spring in honor of your mom.
Jill and Fred Shea
So sorry to hear of Kathleen’s passing. My heart is with Bill & family as well as all those who knew and loved her 💖
Our deepest condolences to the O’Neil family. May this tree grow in her memory and live on to be enjoyed and remembered by the next generation of O’Neils
In loving memory of Kathleen, who will be missed by so many. May this tree grow tall and strong as a living tribute to the beautiful soul that touched so many lives.
We first met when he joined us at Cheverus High School. I have not seen Steve in recent years, but we were once close friends. We graduated from Cheverus together, and I was his Best Man at his wedding at St Patrick’s in Portland. I have many good memories of that time and I had been looking for him on my trips to Maine