Mary Lou O"Neil, 71, formerly of Blackstone Blvd Providence, died Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at the Briarcliff Manor, Johnston
She was born in Providence, the daughter of the late Edward J. Sr. and Elizabeth C. (Duffy) O"Neil. Mary earned her Batchelors Degree at the University of Rhode Island. She was a bookkeeper and accountant working for both CPAs and law firms and was proficient as an Income Tax Preparer. She was also a Communicant of St. Sebastian"s Church in Providence where she was a Eucharistic Minister.
Ms. O"Neil is survived by one sister, Elizabeth Lima of Pawtucket, six nieces and nephews and four grand-nieces and grand-nephews. She was also the sister to the late Edward J. O"Neil Jr.
Mary was a staunch supporter of President John F. Kennedy. When he was elected she immediately went to the Registry of Motor Vehicles to secure plate number PT-109. She proudly displayed this plate on her car until her illness forced her to give up her license to drive.
Mary was a bit of a free spirit, and while in her 30"s, she decided she wanted to see Alaska. After meticulously planning her itinerary and placing her reservations, she took one month leave of absence from her job, packed two spare tires into the back seat of her little sports car and then drove cross country through the upper United States and up the Alaskan Highway to Nome, Alaska all by herself. Upon her return, she drove down the west coast to California and then back across the country passing through the lower states.
The funeral for Ms. O"Neil will be Saturday at 9:00am from MANNING-HEFFERN FUNERAL HOME, 68 Broadway, Pawtucket, with a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Sebastian"s Church, Cole Ave, Providence, at 10:00 am. Burial will be in St. Mary"s Cemetery, Milford MA. The calling hours will be Friday 4-7pm. For directions and guest book signatures, please visit manningheffern.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer"s Association of RI, 245 Waterman St, Providence RI, 02906