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Eileen Dickson Obituary
January 19th, 1951 - May 19th, 2020
Eileen Margaret Dickson passed away on May 19th, 2020 after a long and brave struggle with uterine cancer. She passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side.
Eileen will be missed by her loving family. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Bob Dickson, her daughters Kerry (Eamon) O'Shaughnessy, Jennifer (Robbie) O'Keeffe, Courtney (Mike) Cunnie, her four brothers, Daniel (Meg) O'Neill, John (May Yin) O'Neill, Thomas (Cindy) O'Neill, twin brother George (Maggie) O'Neill, sister-in-law Donna (Dickson) Parker, her beautiful grandchildren, Natalie, Rory and Sean O'Shaughnessy, Eoin and Margaret O'Keeffe and Christopher Cunnie. Eileen will be missed dearly by all her nieces and nephews of the O'Neill and Parker families.
She entered this world not alone but with her twin brother, George O'Neill who sat by her side when she passed away. She is preceded in death by her mother and father, Irving and Eileen O'Neill and her sister-in-law Maggie O'Neill and beloved golden retriever, Mariah.
Eileen was born Jan. 19th, 1951 in San Francisco, California to the late Irving and Eileen (O'Brien) O'Neill. She was a proud fourth generation San Franciscan. She was brought home with her twin brother from St. Joseph's Hospital to the O'Neill Family home on Potomac St. When Eileen was five the O'Neill's moved to 22nd and Irving St.
Eileen attended St. Anne's of the Sunset for elementary school and St. Paul's high school. In 1970 Eileen met the love of her life, an SFFD fireman, Bob Dickson while swimming at Johnson's beach in Guerneville (Russian River) California.
They married on June 24th, 1972 at St. Anne's church. They bought their first home at 21st Ave and Noriega. In 1976 they purchased a summer cabin in the Russian River. In 1982 they purchased their house on 23rd avenue in the Merced Manor neighborhood.
Eileen and Bob raised three beautiful girls in San Francisco and spent long happy summers filled with joy and laughter at the Russian River.
Eileen surrounded herself with lifelong friends from every area of her life. These friends gathered around Eileen in every major lifetime event from weddings to chemo treatments.
Eileen was a runner, swimmer, bike rider and skier. She remained active her entire life.
Eileen began working at St. Ignatius College Preparatory in 1997. She made lifelong friends with her colleagues at SI many who surrounded her with love in her final days.
Eileen will be dearly missed by her family, brothers, nieces and nephews and most of all her grandchildren who will miss the generosity, love and kindness that she rained upon them daily.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Daniel O'Neill who provided his care and love to his Aunt Eileen throughout her battle with cancer. Another special thanks to her oncology team at Sutter Health. Special thanks to Dr. John Chan and NP Barb Silver.
In Lieu of flowers Eileen asked for donations to San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation. A Memorial Service will be announced at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Eileen Dickson
John Johnson
July 7, 2020
To the Dickson & ONeill families . . . I was deeply saddened after hearing the news of Eileens passing. I have so many fond memories of our childhood while growing up together on 22nd Avenue. Eileen was a great kid with a wonderful personality. My heart goes out to your families during this difficult time and may God Bless Eileen, and all of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mary Schembri
June 4, 2020
Dear Bob and Family, We are so sorry to hear of Eileen's passing. She was always smiling and a lovely lady. She will be a special angel for her children and grandchildren.
Peter and Mary Schembri
Nancy Polen
June 3, 2020
Such sad news. We have known Eileen since our children were in pre-school.
She was always so caring and willing to help in any situation.
Much love to all the wonderful family. Stay close and know Eileen will always be with you.
Nancy and Gordon Polen
Tom O'Neill, Tara and Colleen
June 2, 2020
Eileen, was a very special Friend, I met Eileen and Bob at the river, where I had a summer home, close by to them, I just found out today, 6/2/2020 about Eileen's passing.
I am so sorry 4 your lost, My deepest condolence's and my heartfelt sorrow to your family......
Dave McElearney
June 1, 2020
Please accept my condolences on the passing of Eileen. Although I have not seen her since shortly after high school I would ask about her whenever I saw Cecelia McGowan (Buckley).
My memory of Eileen is that she was always smiling. Looking beautiful.
I am the grandson of Eileen ONeill who was the sister of Eileens grand father. She too married a fireman, Jim McElearney, who had a son - Jim, my dad, who was also in the SFFD. Although I passed the test in 1971, I was not inclined to that kind of work. You may know my cousins Bob - Dave and Mickey Lavelle. I am related to them the same way Im related to George and Eileen. Their grandmother was a McElearney, sister of my grandfather. Interestingly, their mom was a Dickson, although I cant be sure of the spelling. Another coincidence is that my mom went to St Pauls. We all learned to swim at Johnsons beach, as did my children. (Cecelia, Séamus, and Bridgette) We had a cabin on Riverside drive in Guernewood Park.
As an aside, please pass this on to George. I went to Ireland a few years ago to see where my moms parents grew up. Bridget Gleeson was from The Silver Mines in Tipperary and Dan OSullivan was from Ballyvourney in County Cork. People would ask us why we were traveling in Ireland. When I told them I came back home to see the places my family was from and told them my grandparents surnames, they knew right away where they were from. The name they were the most impressed by was ONeill - as if I was accorded respect because I was descended from important people.
Eileen was a sweetheart. We are all fortunate to have known her.
Janice Peterson
May 31, 2020
Eileen and I met when she was 5 and I was 4. We spent our entire childhood growing up together on 22nd Avenue. We attended St. Annes School. As teenagers we went to the Russian River together. Eileen got a job at H Salt Fish & Chips, she got me one too. That changed both of our lives. I met my husband Pete who knew the owner of the fish store and Eileen met my cousin Bob. Eileen was my wedding and I was in hers.
Eileen was a smart and classy woman, I will miss. Hold your wonderful memories of her in your heart, she loved all of you so much.
Clare, Brian, Daragh,Ben and Èanna O'shaughnesssy
May 31, 2020
Dear Bob, Kerry, Jennifer and Courtney we are terribly sorry for the loss of such a wonderful Wife, Mother, Grandmother and friend. Eileen was a truly special lady who made us feel so welcome when we visited San Francisco and the River. We as a family have great memories of those times and when ye visited us in Ireland. You are all in our thoughts and prayers and I am sure Eileen will watch over and protect you for evermore♥
Bernadette Jehl
May 30, 2020
Dear Bob, Kerry, Jennifer, Courtney, Family & Friends,
I was absolutely stunned to read of your beloved and beautiful Eileen.
Loved her the moment i met her !!! We sure had some good times together -- good memories alright! My thoughts and prayers go out to each of you at this very sad time. Take care & Healthy Blessings,
Jim Hemmenway
May 30, 2020
So sorry to hear of Eileen's passing this past week. Though our friendship only spanned through our grade and high school years, we did run into each other 40+ years later at Westlake Joe's and it was just like old times. I know the joy she brought to everyone she met will be sorely missed, yet her memory is a cherished gift you will always have.
May the days, weeks and months ahead be kind and gentle for the entire Dickson / O'Neill Family.
Jon Kurpinsky
May 30, 2020
Condolences to the Dickson family. Eileen may you RIP. Lots of good memories of the St. Stephen's days. You will be remembered.
Chris Cunnie
May 30, 2020
Im Blessed to have shared our Grandson with You! My Condolences and Prayers for Bob and Family!
R.I.P. Eileen
Nicole, Patrick and Juliette
May 29, 2020
Beautiful tribute for a beautiful soul. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten! Lots of memories ❤
Tony Fiorito
May 29, 2020
We extend our deepest sympathy to the Dickson family...sending prayers and praying that Eileen rest in glorious peace and find everlasting comfort. Tony, Linda and Nicholas Fiorito.
Frances k Wilson-Mendez
May 29, 2020
We Love you RIP in Heaven We went to St Pauls(Pandas) And had great Studies with was not interrupted by guys Amen Love you and Miss you
Mike Puccinelli
May 29, 2020
So sorry to hear about the passing of Eileen. My condolences to her family and friends. I was privileged to have grown up with Eileen on 22nd Ave in San Francisco. I have many fond memories of Eileen and the rest of the kids on the BLOCK. Rest in peace, my old friend.
May 28, 2020
Eileen always had a smile on her face and a hello, she ran her daily routines past my house many days a week. I am totally shocked. My condolences to Bob and her beautiful family, she was so proud of them all.
Norma O'Keeffe
Andrea (Puccinelli) Olcomendy
May 28, 2020
My Dad was correct when he would say you were the prettiest girl on the block. May you be welcomed into heaven with open arms. RIP to my old neighbor. I am glad you were a part of my life. Rest easy Eileen.
Nicole Delbridge (Lowman)
May 28, 2020
Eileen, I know I had not seen you in many years but you and your family will always hold a special place in my heart. Rest In Peace
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