Marilyn O'Neill Obituary
Marilyn was born November 26, 1935 in Tacoma, Washington to Doris McElroy and Thomas Dunnigan. The family lived with grandmother, Alice Edwards, until September of 1952 then moved to Alaska. Marilyn graduated from Anchorage High School in 1953. She was active in the Drama Department and Alyeska Ski Club.
In 1954, Marilyn married Howard Kapper. They had two children, Joe and Toby, and were divorced in 1963.
On August 27, 1971, Marilyn and Robert "Mike" O'Neill were married. While building several successful businesses in Anchorage, they had one daughter, Kerri. They purchased a home in Canyon Lake, California in 1977. There, Marilyn taught and performed ballet, was a member of the Canyon Lake Tennis Club and was active at Kerri's school. Mike and Marilyn loved life on the lake and flying their small plane.
Marilyn was on the board of Anchorage Civic Ballet and helped establish Ballet Alaska. She was instrumental in bringing guest artists from around the world to perform and teach in Anchorage. She loved the arts and was a talented dancer and pianist.
Marilyn was active with Catholic Social Services, helping to produce several of the organization's Charity Balls.
She formed a jewelry company, Bangles, and sold her work in various shops around Anchorage.
In 2005, Marilyn moved to Palm Springs, California. There, she built a beautiful home and forged cherished friendships. In 2009, Marilyn became a grandmother to Koko, daughter to Rob Bruce and Kerri O'Neill. Koko was the light of Marilyn's life and they were able to spend precious time together.
Marilyn's kind and gentle spirit will be dearly missed. She was a beautiful mother, wife, friend and woman inside and out.
Marilyn is survived by daughters Toby Kapper and Kerri O'Neill (Rob Bruce) son Stephen "Joe" Kapper (Jackie), grand-daughter Michaela "Koko" Bruce and sister Doreen Donald (Bob). She was preceded in death by her brother Dennis Dunnigan and husband Robert Michael O'Neill.
A funeral mass will be said for Marilyn O'Neill at St. Benedict's Church in Anchorage, Alaska October 21, 2011 at 4:00pm. A reception will follow at the Hotel Captain Cook's Quarterdeck in downtown Anchorage.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
October 23, 2011
I was shocked to learn of your mother's passing. We graduated from High School together and then met up again after we both had children. Toby, you and Joe played with my children back in the early 60's. Marilyn and I and all you kids would get together and have a great time. She was always charming, elegant, and fun to be around. I am so sorry for your loss.
Dee McCracken
Kim Digel
October 19, 2011
I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom's passing. I remember her as a beautiful and graceful woman. I know she will be missed and her memory cherished. I will be thinking of you all.
Sharon Ficarra
October 19, 2011
I'm so sorry to hear about Marilyn's passing and was glad I was able to help her with her with her Doctor appoitments and running errands when I could. I knew Marilyn for a short time and really enjoyed her company. I know she will greatly missed.
October 17, 2011
October 17, 2011
I was so sad to read of your Mom's passing. Marilyn was such a graceful and wonderful woman. I always looked forward to seeing her smiling face. I'm so sorry for your family's loss.
Cindy Bailey
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Rick & Lynn Mac Millan
October 17, 2011
Marilyn was a special friend to our family and will be missed by all of us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad time. Rick and Lynn Mac Millan.
Sheilah Itson
October 17, 2011
Such sad news to hear of Marilyn's recent passing. Four Seasons residents at Palm Springs have lost a dear friend, neighbor and will greatly miss her hugs and beautiful smile. May she rest in peace.
Lauren Colas
October 17, 2011
What a shock to read about Marilyn this weekend. She and I were on the Catholic Social Services Charity Ball committee several years ago, and I remember how generous she was with her time and money for her favorite causes.
My prayers and thoughts are with her many friends and family.
Cynthia & Evelyn White
October 16, 2011
Mrs. O'Neill, Marilyn. Thirty-seven years ago, on my family's first day in Anchorage, I got on my bike and pedaled as if drawn by a magnet down the hill to you and Kerri. And so it began. My mom and I were so blessed to have had the relationship we did with you for as long as we did ~ a whole life shared. Our hearts are so heavy with your passing. We loved you so much. We always will.
October 16, 2011
When I walk out of my front door, I see Marilyn's beautiful backyard with the lovely palm trees quietly swaying in the breeze. I will always remember her warm, gentle, friendly smile. Your mother will be missed by her many friends and neighbors in Palm Springs.
Risa Durley
Palm Springs, CA
Anne Williams
October 16, 2011
Tobi, I'm so sorry for your loss and that of your family's. I remember your mom from high school days and she was a lovely woman.
October 16, 2011
Dear Family. I sent the following e-mail to your mothers High School Class Mates. The e-mail contained 2 pictures which did not transfter to this message. If any of you would like a copy of the e-mail & pics. e-mail me at [email protected].
e-mail AHS 53 Marily "Colburn" O'neil
Our Class mate Marilyn “Colburn” O’Neil past away October 4th . Her Funeral will at 4:00 p.m. this coming Friday October 21, 2011 @ Saint Benedicts Catholic Church On Sand Lake Road. A reception to follow at the Captain Cook Hotel. See her Obituary by clicking or going to Anchorage Daily News Website below.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/adn/obituary.aspx?n=marilyn-oneill&pid=154078905
(Pic. from class of 1953 annual. Mat Mathieson supplied senior sneak pic. )
Class of 1953 Senior Sneak Train to Curry, Alaska spring of 1953
Marilyn is 4th from right next to Lane Lahnum
October 16, 2011
Memories of a lovely women and so gifted in the arts. Now, she's on her very own personal journey. Love and blessing to her entire family. Mike and Lynne Webb-Palmdale, CA
October 16, 2011
We were so sad to learn of Marilyn's passing this weekend. Words can't express how we feel. We had so much fun doing the dancing and The Sister Act for the Charity Ball. Although we had not seen each other for a few years, we did keep up doing emails and on FB.
Your Mother was very special, and our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Martha & Marvin Swink - Marana, Az.
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