Ann Mary O'Neill

Ann Mary (Nolan) O'Neill, most recently a resident at Moravian Hall Square in Nazareth, Pennsylvania died peacefully on November 17, 2015 surrounded by family. She was 90 years old. Ann was born in Waterbury Connecticut on July 26, 1925, the third of five children of Mary Gaffney and Thomas Nolan, both of whom were lifelong Waterbury residents.

She was a home economist and teacher, coming from a long line of teachers. Ann's father graduated from Holy Cross College in Worcester Massachusetts and her mother received her BA from Trinity College in Washington, DC in 1914 at a time when it was uncommon for a woman to pursue a college degree. Decades later, Ann also attended the Trinity College two-year Educational Program for Parish Service, which enabled her to serve as a Eucharistic minister in her church congregation, an accomplishment of which she was very proud. Ann graduated from the College of St. Elizabeth in Morristown, New Jersey, known for its tradition of concern for the poor, and its commitment to the promotion of women as full partners in society. She received a Master's in Home Economics Education, a New York State teacher certification in Home Economics and served on the College of St. Elizabeth board where she coordinated 15 alumnae chapters. She was a member of the American Home Economics Association and the New York State Home Economics Teachers' Association. She taught grades 7-12 in the Connecticut public schools for six years, taught cooking classes at Westchester Lighthouse for the Blind, and served as a substitute teacher after she settled in New York to raise five children with her husband Dr. John ("Jack") O'Neill, whom she married in 1952 and who predeceased her in death in 1992.

While living in New York, she served as a coordinator of her parish Senior Living Center, organized food distribution campaigns, and managed the local hospital's coffee shop. Upon her husband's retirement in 1985, Ann and Jack moved to Oakton Virginia where they were closer to their son and new granddaughter and made the most of their time together before her husband succumbed to cancer. Ann stayed in Oakton for 20 years, where she was active in the St. John Neumann Catholic Community, helped form their 50-plus group, volunteered with Hospice and Meals on Wheels, enjoyed jewelry making and traveled extensively.

Most recently she relocated to Pennsylvania, near the home of her daughter and family. She enjoyed her final years, always enthusiastic, always active. Ann is survived by her children and their families, daughters Maureen and Ann, and sons Brendan and William. She was predeceased in death by her son Kevin in 2012. Ann had thirteen grandchildren and one great granddaughter. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, November 20th, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Saint John Neumann Catholic Church in Reston, followed by burial in Fairfax Memorial Park, Fairfax, VA. Donations may be made in Ann's memory to the Vineyard Conservation Society, Box 2189 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 or www.vineyardconservation.org.