Jean DeBell-O'Neal

1927 - 2018

JEAN DEBELL-O'NEAL Jean "Patsy" T. DeBell-O'Neal passed away peacefully in her sleep at the Balfour Retirement Community in Louisville, CO on Saturday, October 20, 2018. She is survived by her step son-in-law, Michael Wirtz of Santa Fe, NM, step-grandchildren Brian (and wife Maria Wirtz) of Auburn, CA, Carla Wirtz (and husband Chris Lamson) of Longmont, CO, Lara Wirtz Fahnestock (and husband Todd Fahnestock) of Englewood, CO, Carmen O'Neal of North Tonawanda, NY, and Caity O'Neal Turner (and husband Josh Turner) of Candler, NC, her nieces Georgine Traver of Newman, GA and Kristine Trites of La Crescenta, CA, as well as eight great-grandchildren. Jean was born on March 7, 1927 in Merchantville, NJ, the daughter of George and Jennie DeBell. Jean lived a rich life, full of exploration, education, and adventure. She traveled to such exotic locales as Antarctica, China, Mexico, Poland, and many others. Jean finished her undergraduate degree in 1948 from the University of Connecticut and her Masters of Science in 1953 from the University of Minnesota. She went on to pursue her post-graduate studies at George Washington University, where she graduated with a PhD in invertebrate zoology in 1977. From 1956 to 1965, Jean lived in Puerto Rico and taught medical zoology at the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Puerto Rico. In 1966, she moved to Washington DC where she worked for the National Science Foundation until 1975. Jean married Nolan C. O'Neal on June 19, 1978 in Wilmington, NC, and they remained together for 24 years until Nolan's death. Together they founded the Coastal Carolina Crossroads, an environmental organization which garnered statewide attention. They were honored by the North Carolina Sierra Club for their work to save Cape Fear River from the pollution of a proposed oil refinery and coal storage facility, and Jean was appointed to the Marine Resources Center Administrative Board in 1983. In 1996, Jean and Nolan moved to Santa Fe, NM, to be close to Nolan's daughter, Sharon. Jean and Sharon developed a deep friendship during this time; they especially loved visiting art galleries and concerts together. Jean stayed in Santa Fe until Nolan's death in 2002, then moved back to the east coast. She settled in St. Michaels, MD, where she was active in the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, organizing events with visiting lecturers and giving countless volunteer hours in other areas as well. Jean moved to Louisville, CO in 2014 to be close to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved watching birds at the bird feeders outside her window, going to her great-grandchildren's school plays, and attending Sunday brunch with friends. She was an avid tennis fan, often skipping sleep to watch the Australian Open live. Jean was a fiercely independent soul who lived life on her own terms. She passed away amidst family and friends who loved her, and who enjoyed her engaging stories and active mind, which remained razor sharp to the end. A private family service will be held at National Veteran's Cemetery in Santa Fe.