Marie Elizabeth O'Neill

Marie Elizabeth O'Neill passed away in the early hours on September 21st at her home in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL at the age of 92 with her oldest daughter by her side. Marie was born on October 10, 1932, in Queens, NY. She was the only child of Clyde M Squires and Jean Squires (nee Cacciatore). She graduated high school from the prestigious Academy of Mount St. Vincent in Tuxedo Park, NY in 1949 and attended two years of nursing school at Mount St. Mary College in Newburgh NY in the mid-1960s.

Marie was an accomplished interior designer and artist and built successful businesses in Ponte Vedra Beach and Boca Raton, Florida with her second husband Charles W Gerdts Jr, whom she married in 1970. She was a gifted artist, wonderful cook and an avid golfer well into her 80s in Vero Beach, FL where she had many good friends. She was a dedicated and tireless care giver to her husband's Charles and Robert.

Marie was first married in 1950 to George Wilhelm and with him had six children who survive her: George Gerdts (Karol), Robert Gerdts, Mary Ellen Gerdts, Valentina Hughes (Perry), John Gerdts (Andrea), and Paul Gerdts (Melinda). She is also survived by a daughter-in­ law Elizabeth Gerdts (Charles W Gerdts Ill); stepson, Douglas D Gerdts; and eleven grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Marie was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, George J Wilhelm, Charles W Gerdts Jr, and Robert L O'Neill; and her stepson Charles W. Gerdts Ill.

In honor of Marie's wishes, there will be no formal services or memorial. In lieu of flowers please consider having a memorial tree planted in her honor or make a donation to your favorite charity.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.