Laura Virginia O'Neill

Laura Virginia (Becht) O’Neill died on January 26, 2024 at the age of 98. Laura was born in Detroit, Michigan, on April 17, 1925 to the late Phoebe and Fred Becht. Laura had six siblings and was the last born. She graduated from Detroit’s Northwestern High School in 1943. After graduating high school, Laura worked for The Children’s Aid Society until after World War II.  

On October 6, 1951, Laura married William (Bill) O’Neill. They resided in their Northwest Detroit home for over 50 years. Laura and Bill had three children– Craig, Judith, and Mark. Once the children grew older, Laura began working in the food service department at Mercy College. Laura and William were married for 68 years. 

Laura loved gardening, reading, taking the grandchildren to Greenfield Village/Henry Ford Museum, and traveling with her family. Laura and Bill loved to visit various places in the U.S., but frequently took road trips out East. She also enjoyed spending summers at the family cottage. Laura was an active member of New Hudson United Methodist Church. 

Laura is preceded in death by her husband, William, her siblings–  Olive, Fred, Donald, Margaret, and Dorothy, and grandson, Christopher. 

Laura is survived by her children– Craig (the late Lynne), Judith (Jeff Weaver), and Mark (Elizabeth), grandchildren– Jonathan (Stacie), Kyle, Hilary, Brooke, Nolan, and Mara (Jason), great-grandchildren– Sofia, Olivia, Amelia, Conner, Raidyn, and Deni. Laura is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to New Hudson United Methodist Church at https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z2Y6/campaign/C-11XH8

Visitation for Laura will be held Sunday, February 4, 2024 from 1:00 - 5:00 PM 

Visitation will also be held Monday, February, 5, 2024 from 10:00 AM until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 AM at Manns Family Funeral Home, 17000 Middlebelt, Livonia 48154.