ONEILL, Lesley Anne (Whitehead)

May 3, 1937 - February 16, 2025

Lesley passed away peacefully the morning of February 16, 2025 at the age of 87. She will be lovingly remembered by her children: William (Therese), Robert (Carmen), Steven (Rupal), Mark (Michelle); grandchildren: Megan, Lauren, Shea and Landon; nephew: Bruce (Pam) Whitehead; sisters-in-law: Dodie and Betty; brother-in-law: Phil Couture; and numerous other nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 55 years, William; infant son, Michael; brother, Norman Whitehead and his wife Virginia; and her parents, Andrew and Anne Whitehead.

Lesley was born in Lincoln, Rhode Island to parents Andrew and Anne who both immigrated from Scotland. She married Bill O'Neill of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, whom she met while working at Fram Corporation in East Providence. Together they raised four beloved sons: Bill, Bob, Steven, and Mark. The majority of their lives were spent in Cumberland, Rhode Island, where Lesley worked as a legal secretary for Grant and Hetherington law firm.

In 1983, Bill's career took the family to Simsbury, Connecticut, a move no one wanted to make. As always, Lesley embraced the challenge. She found work at the Wagner Ford car dealership where her friendly and capable demeanor earned her the position of secretary to the owner and CEO. She flourished in Connecticut and built many lasting friendships, but she never lost sight of her deep connection to Rhode Island. After Bill's retirement in 1992, they returned home.

Her family was most important to her. A devoted mother, Lesley was more than just a mom to her own children. She was a second mother to all the kids in the neighborhood who knew her home as the place to go if they were thirsty or in need of a snack. Lesley had a passion for watching her sons play sports and rarely missed a game. She could be found cheering on the sidelines of countless summer baseball games or braving the cold winter days at the hockey rink. She was their best fan. Once her children were grown, Lesley cherished the holidays when everyone came home. She loved cooking for the family and never missed an opportunity to spend time with her grandchildren.

Although Lesley will be deeply missed, her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren and many nieces and nephews who were touched by her love and kindness. Lesley's warmth, spirit, and devotion to family will never be forgotten.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to a Mass of Christian Burial Friday, February 28, 2025 at 10:00 AM in Saint Joan of Arc Church, 3357 Mendon Road, Cumberland. Burial will follow in Mount Saint Mary Cemetery, Pawtucket.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, February 27th from 5:00 - 8:00 PM in the O'Neill Funeral Home, 3102 Mendon Road, Cumberland.