NORWICH – Dorothy M. O’Neil, 92, former long-time resident of Norwich, passed away on Monday, July 22, 2013 at The Pines in Utica.
Born in Norwich in November of 1920, Dorothy lived in the area several times over her lifetime. She was the daughter of Perly Lee and Ruth Beebe Hall. In 1939, she graduated from the Moosic High School and, in St. Paul’s Rectory in Norwich, on Oct. 4, 1943, was married to Edward O’Neil. While living in Norwich at that time, Dorothy was employed by the Norwich Pharmacal Company. She and her family then moved to Ithaca, living there for seven years while Ed and Dorothy owned and operated a liquor store. Following a time again in Norwich, the O’Neil family moved to Vermont, residing in Waitsfield and Stowe, where Dorothy found employment with the Trapp Family Lodge and at the Stowehof Inn, retireing in 1989. Dorothy again returned to Norwich where she resided until moving to the Utica area. While making her home at The Pines, she became very involved in their activities and served as president of the home’s Resident’s Council Board. Though Dorothy’s life had not been easy and she was predeceased by four of her children, she attributed her longevity to a positive attitude and joy of living. She loved life in general and was an inspiration to those around her. She enjoyed flowers, watching the Yankees, and reading.
Dorothy is survived by her children: David O’Neil of Syracuse, William "Billy" O’Neil and wife Juliet of Morrisville, VT, Joseph O’Neil of Sparks, NV, Peter O’Neil of Binghamton, Patrick "P. J." O’Neil of New Berlin, and Jacqueline O’Neil Fagan of Renssellaer. Also surviving are her sister, Doris Beardsley of San Luis Obispo, CA; her brother, Richard Hall of Binghamton; and several grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Dorothy was predeceased by her previous husband, Edward, on June 24, 1988; by her children: Patricia Ann, Michael, Fred, and Margaret "Peg"; her sisters, Ruth-Eleanor, Frances, and Marjorie Dorris; and by her brother, Harold.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Dorothy will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 30 from St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church, with Rev. Ralph A. Bove officiating. Interment will follow in St. Paul’s Cemetery. Friends are invited to call from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, July 29 at the R. J. Fahy Funeral Home. There will be a recitation of the rosary at 7 p.m.