Barbara Jane Perine O’Neill

1924 - 2019

Barbara Jane Perine O'Neill February 6, 1924 - December 31, 2018 Barbara O'Neill, a former resident of San Rafael for nearly 50 years, passed away with family by her side at her residence in Gold River, CA. Barbara was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She attended Grinnell College in Iowa for one year, before returning to Minneapolis to complete a degree and graduate from the University of Minnesota. After college she ventured to San Diego. There she worked as a "Rosie the Riveter", and as a social worker. She attended an afternoon tea dance at Hotel del Coronado and met Donald O'Neill, a handsome young Navy Officer. Love bloomed, and after WW II ended, they married and settled into a home in Berkeley, CA. Don's career with Standard Oil took the family to a variety of locales over the years, including El Paso, Texas, Salt Lake City, Utah, and San Rafael, California. Barbara embraced each move, and made life long friends wherever the family lived. Many wonderful summer memories were made with their four kids and extended family at Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota. As the kids grew and became more independent, Barbara embarked on a new career of her own. She earned a teaching credential and Masters degree from Dominican College. For sixteen years she taught in the Fairfax School District, primarily at Manor School. After retirement, Barbara enjoyed traveling with Don to Finland, China, New Zealand, and many countries in between. She belonged to several bridge groups, and founded the first chapter of the Red Hat Society in Marin County. She nurtured her interest in antiques by volunteering at Marin Art and Garden Center's Laurel House. Most of all, she delighted in spending time with her six grandchildren. Her final two and a half years were spent near family in Sacramento. There she became well know for her sharp wit and sense of humor, and kept fellow residents and staff at Eskaton Gold River Lodge smiling. Barbara is survived by her four children: Karen Wright of Portland, OR, Ed O'Neill (Chris) of San Rafael, Jan Graber (David) of Fair Oaks, CA, and James O'Neill (Linda) of Lafayette, CO. She also leaves six grandchildren: Andrew Wright, Joshua Wright, Rebecca O'Neill (Kyle Drullinger), Ben Graber (Laura), Jeffrey Graber, and Julie Graber, and three great grandchildren: Oliver Drullinger, Tate Drullinger, and Amy Graber. She was predeceased by her husband of 68 years, Donald O'Neill, her two sisters, Elizabeth Taylor (Fred) and Katharine Bowen (Alfred), and Ted O'Neill, her brother-in-law. Barbara touched the lives of countless people during her almost 95 years. We will miss her wit, her words of wisdom, and her abundant love for family and friends. Her spirit will continue to live among us. A memorial service for Barbara will be held on Saturday, February 2nd, at 2:00pm at Parkside Community Church, 5700 S. Land Park Dr., Sacramento, CA 95822. Memorial donations may be made to The Salvation Army, Smile Train, or a charity of your choice.