Maria O'Neal Obituary
Maria Regan O'Neal, 74 of Houston passed away June 27, 2011. Maria was born November 26, 1936 in Washington DC to Timothy and Mary Regan. She is preceded in death by her parents and survived by her children, Kim O'Neal, Shane O'Neal and wife Jenna, Shannon Stroope and husband Cody, Colleen Simonton and husband Frank and Cline O'Neal; grandchildren, Colin Vetzel, Alanna O'Neal, Catherine O'Neal, Cambry O'Neal, Sofie Stroope, Carlie Stroope and Mairi Simonton as well as her cousin Helen Albertson.
Maria attended Ursuline Academy in Dallas and then on to The University of St. Thomas for her undergraduate degree. She attended The University of Michigan where she earned her Master's Degree in Physics. Maria also attended the University of London where she studied for her Doctorate. Maria was a trailblazer, working in the civilian corps for the US Navy where she was the first female scientist to descend the ocean depth in a submersible and attend Navy UTD training. After her time in the Civilian Corps she pursued a career in Programming with the Internal Revenue Service.
Maria traveled the globe living in the Philippines, London, San Diego and Houston. She loved to sail, swim, and SCUBA dive. She also loved social gatherings, parties and church. Most of all, she adored her children, grandchildren and many friends.
The O'Neal family will receive friends Thursday, June 30, 2011 from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM at D.M. Dettling Funeral Directors, 14094 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77079. The Holy Rosary will be recited at 7:00 PM by Deacon Dale Steffes.
The funeral mass will commence Friday, July 1, 2011 at 1:00 PM at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 625 Nottingham Oaks Trail, Houston, TX 77079, with The Reverend R. Troy Gately celebrant.
In lieu of flowers please consider contributions to St. John Vianney Catholic Church. Log on to WWW.DettlingFuneral .com to leave online tributes.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Pat Lamb
July 2, 2011
It is my good fortune to have many fond and hilarious memories of Maria, first at UST and later in London. My deepest sympathy to her family. May she rest in peace, and hilarity
Genelle Long
June 30, 2011
Family: Maria was a gift to all of you and to her friends. I did not have an opportunity to know her very well; but what I did know what that she was a lady and a "force to be reckoned with". She was kind and soft spoken and her eyes reflected a warm heart for everyone.
I will miss the good neighbor and friend.
I will be praying for strength for all of you during this time.
Leah & Kaden Hargraves
June 30, 2011
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom. She was sweet and kind and it was a blessing to even be able to say we knew her. We send our sincerest condolences to your family. You are in our thoughts and prayes.
Charles and Stephanie Lucas
June 30, 2011
Maria has been, and will continue to be an inspiration, for others who had the pleasure of knowing her and realizing her many accomplishments. Now that she is with the Lord, she will be not be constrained to what the human body can achieve, but will have the capacity to enjoy the realm of the Kingdom with the ultimate freedom.
We enjoyed all of the great times we had together, and will never forget her.
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Chasin Frew
June 30, 2011
The O'Neal Family, I am so sorry to hear the news! Your mom and family took me into your home and included me as part of the family during the holidays when I could not be with my own family while in college. Your mom was an amazing woman and will be missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Kylie Williams-Riley
June 30, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss! Your mom was an awesome, incredible lady and she will be greatly missed. You guys are in my thoughts and prayers.
Forrest & Katy Scarborough
June 30, 2011
"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." John 14:1-3
Please accept our love and sympathy, as we are saddened by the loss of your precious mother. Your family is in our hearts and prayers during this difficult time; may you each feel the Lord’s presence, comfort and peace that passes all understanding. I wish we could have met your mother—she leaves an amazing legacy for her children and grandchildren.
DJ Bailey
June 29, 2011
The O'Neal Family, you are in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers. Not only did Maria accept Cody into the family; she also brought in me, Cal, and my mom and dad. I loved talking with her about her education and past adventures. She truly fasinated me. Falling in love with Shannon, Kim, and Colleen also proved to me what a wonderful mother she was because she had raised such a beautiful and success family. Her legacy will continue with all her beautiful grandchildren, and we will never let them forget where they came from!!!!
Nancy Newman
June 29, 2011
Colleen, my heart goes out to you and your family. You spoke so much of your mom that I feel as though I personally knew her..keep her memory close.
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