Catherine O'Neill

1954 - 2025

A kind, caring, and generous sister, aunt, and friend whose fearless nature and intrepid spirit blazed a bright trail, Cathy O'Neill passed away peacefully on November 12, 2025.
Born second in what would become a bustling family of 12, Cathy came into the world on May 29, 1954, in St. Louis, Missouri, before the O'Neills relocated to Salinas, California.
Cathy attended Sacred Heart Grade School, Notre Dame High School in Salinas, California, and later Gonzaga University in Spokane Washington, where she spent junior year in Florence which sparked a lifelong love of travel.
From an early age, Cathy's fearless nature carried her far - both literally, to adventures across the world, and professionally, to the finance world of Wall Street.
Bold and brilliant, it was no surprise Cathy found her footing there. She led trading desks for GE Capital, Robertson Stephens, and others, before (inevitably) becoming a founding partner of Eastbourne Capital in 1999.
Though she thrived in a high-pressure profession, she possessed a light heart and buoyant spirit. Following her retirement, Cathy split her time between her two homes in Carmel-by-the-Sea and Sonoma, California. Her charming cottage, Lilliput, in Carmel-by-the-Sea, embodied the whimsical spirit for which it was named. She knew true joy when watching her beloved dogs Max (Maximus Polonius O'Neill) and Doolin (Doolin Liam O'Neill) run free on Carmel Beach. In Sonoma, Cathy took great pride in her passive home. She rebuilt a historic ranch house into the first Certified Passive House retrofit in the entire U.S. Her love of art, design, and joyful gatherings were evident in her two remarkable homes.
Cathy had a special gift for bringing people together. She often gathered her family and friends at Coolclogher House in Killarney Ireland, which she considered her home away from home. For 20 years, Cathy spent relaxing and fun summers at the manor home.
She spent her days hiking, exploring the coastline, and popping into the local shops, but her favorite part of those days was hosting home-cooked dinners in the manor home kitchen.
Back in California, her Sonoma walking group brought her much laughter and lasting friendships. She gave generously of her time, energy, and spirit - to good causes, charities, and to everyone lucky enough to be loved by her.
Cathy was preceded in death by her parents Kathryn and Thomas O'Neill, her sisters, Lorette Claire O'Neill and Maureen Ann O'Neill; and her faithful dog Maximus O'Neill.
She is survived by her siblings Peggy O'Neill of Nampa, Idaho; Thomas O'Neill (Susan) of La Jolla, California; Patricia Ito (Alan) of Lake Havasu, Arizona; Raymond O'Neill (Cathy) of Encinitas, California; Charles O'Neill of Sonoma, California; Lisa O'Neill- Murphy (Terry) of San Jose, California; and Elizabeth O'Neill of Atlanta Georgia, nine nieces and nephews, seven great nieces and nephews and her beloved rescue dog Doolin O'Neill.
Services for Cathy will be held at Rosary Chapel Santa Catalina in Monterey, California, on Sunday November 23rd at noon followed by a reception. A private burial will be held Monday, November 24th at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Prunedale, California at 10:30.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to SonomaValley Catalyst Fund or the Monterey County VNA & Hospice.