Joan Mildred O'Neill

Joan Mildred O’Neill passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, July 6. She was 96 years old. 

Joan is predeceased by Lawrence (Larry), her husband of 72 years, her parents John and Amelia Rourke, and her brother Warren (Wuz). Joan is survived by her sons Sean O’Neill (Leland, NC) and Darren O’Neill (Sodus Point, NY); her daughters-in-law Cindi O’Neill and Laura O’Neill; her grandchildren Colin O’Neill, Casey O’Neill (Spencer Kennedy), Kelly O’Neill, Abigail O’Neill (Alec Barney) and Andrew O’Neill; as well as three great grandchildren and four great step-grandchildren. 

Born in Flushing, NY, Joan attended Saint Fidelis Catholic School in College Point, NY. She graduated high school with honors and soon thereafter went to work at American Airlines. Joan excelled in various roles and went on to become one of the very first women to move into corporate management at the airline. Joan took advantage of the airline perks and traveled often to the Tucson Wild horse Ranch, her favorite travel destination. Joan met Larry while on a layover at Buffalo Municipal Airport, and it was there they made their “connection.”Joan and Larry married in 1950. Joan continued working full-time at the airline until 1963, when her first son Sean was born. Darren was born a couple of years later, and the boys did everything possible to ensure there was never a dull moment in their home on Long Island. Joan was more than up to the task. In addition to raising her two rambunctious boys, Joan had many hobbies and interests, including bowling, camping, cake decorating, floral design, and throwing the most lavish Tupperware parties. She was also an avid collector of porcelain figurines, Belleek pottery, Department 56 houses, and Waterford Christmas ornaments. Joan became an expert cake decorator and won many awards for her incredibly creative and artistic creations. She became a certified cake decorating instructor and led dozens of adult education classes in the community, in addition to being a professional cake decorating instructor for Wilton for many years. In the early 1980’s, Joan rejoined the workforce fulltime and became a hostess at Cooky’s Steak Pub in Hicksville. She also served as waitress, cashier, bartender, and acting floor manager, among countless other duties as needed. Fellow employees half her age were constantly amazed by her energy, stamina and vitality. Joan always had a smile on her face and made friends and patrons feel right at home. Joan loved nature, especially birds and butterflies, and she felt right at home in the garden. She belonged to many local garden clubs and was a lifetime member of the Audubon Society. Joan also contributed greatly to the World Wildlife Fund. Joan was a devout Catholic and a member of the Rosary Alter Society. She also volunteered for the missions of St. Vincent de Paul, opening her home as a clothing collections site.In the mid 1990’s Joan and Larry moved to Fredericksburg, VA to be near their grown children and their extended families. Joan eventually moved to Sodus Point, NY where she spent her golden years living with Darren and his loving family.

She will be remembered with deep love and affection by her family and all who had the privilege to know her.