Obituary of Joann-E. O-Neill

WATERBURY - JoAnn E. O'Neill, 69, passed away in the comfort of her family at the Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2009, following several years of declining health. Born in Waterbury on July 21, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Donald and Hazel (Cavanaugh) Spence. On March 31, 1962, JoAnn married Vincent O'Neill, Sr. in Waterbury. Vincent passed away on Dec. 10, 2000. JoAnn was a 1957 graduate of Waterbury High School. She was employed at the Vermont State Hospital where she received her certification as a psychiatric technician in 1970. Along with working full time and raising five children, JoAnn went on to earn her Associates Degree in human services from Community College of Vermont in 1974. She is fondly remembered for her passionate care of the patients at the Vermont State Hospital, from which she retired after 30 years of service.JoAnn was a member and past president of the Harry N. Cutting American Legion Auxiliary Unit 59 of Waterbury, was an active member of the Loyal Order of the Moose in both Vermont and Key Largo, Fla. and St. Andrew Catholic Church in Waterbury. In her leisure time she enjoyed summers on Lake Champlain, winters in Key Largo, fishing and singing karaoke as well as arts and crafts. A loving and devoted grandmother, JoAnn cherished every moment she spent with her family. She is survived by her five children, Catherine O'Neill of Fort Lauderdale Fla., Peg O'Neill and her husband, Gale Towne of Waterbury, William O'Neill of East Barre, Michael O'Neill and his wife, Denise of Williamstown, Vincent O'Neill and his wife, Cheri of Williamstown; eight grandchildren; a brother, Robert (Tom) Spence and his wife, Jackie of Moretown; as well as nieces, nephews and extended family. JoAnn was predeceased by two sisters, Irene Whalley and Sarah Keefe, and two brothers, William Spence and Donald Spence.A Celebration of JoAnn O'Neill's life will be held from the Waterbury American Legion Home, 16 Stowe Street, on Sunday, Feb. 22nd at 1 p.m. with a luncheon to follow. The family requests that flowers be omitted; rather memorial gifts would be appreciated to Washington County Mental Health, PO Box 647, Montpelier VT 05602. To send on-line condolences please visit www.perkinsparker.com. Assisting the family is the Perkins-Parker Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Waterbury.