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Barbara O'Neill Obituary
WATERVLIET - Barbara Anne (Harris) O'Neill passed away on April 11, 2023. Her 19-month journey with lung cancer is complete. She was a few weeks shy of her 61st birthday.
Barbara spent most of her youth in Watervliet, the youngest child of Phyllis and the late Bob "Hack" Harris. She was, in fact, quite a bit younger than her "Irish Triplet" brothers: Pat (Carla) Harris, Brian (Andrea) Harris, and Roger (Susan) Harris.
She was also significantly younger (more than five years!) than Ed O'Neill, whom she married in 1996, and she referred to herself as his "child bride", but around the Little League fields of Watervliet, in the 2000s, she was better known as "Jimmy O'Neill's mom."
Barbara studied occupational therapy, first at Maria College and later at Dominican College. She had a long and successful career in O.T., the best part of which was spent at Waterford-Halfmoon Schools. She dearly loved working with those kids, and the feeling was definitely mutual.
Barbara had a special relationship with her nephew, Stephen (Kate) Harris, who as a teen came to reside with her, Ed and Jim. Steve and Kate's boys, Avery and Austin Harris, were a tremendous source of joy in Barbara's life.
Barbara loved many things: craft fairs, James Taylor, Dunkin' coffee, her mother's cooking, TV, the ocean, country décor and Christmas.
But most of all she loved family, and she loved people, and people loved her. She was kind, thoughtful, and incredibly brave, and the world is poorer for her passing.
A funeral Mass for Barbara will be celebrated by the Reverend Donald L. Rutherford on Monday at 9:30 a.m. in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish Church, 7th Avenue at 25th Street, Watervliet and the Rite of Committal and interment will follow in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Watervliet. Friends are invited to attend and may also visit with Barbara's family on Sunday from 3 until 6 p.m. at the Parker Bros. Memorial, 2013 Broadway, Watervliet.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating, in Barbara's memory, to Night Out For You at www.nightoutforyou.org/donate.
Visit www.parkerbrosmemorial.com to leave a message of sympathy and for driving directions.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Barbara O'Neill
John Garry
April 7, 2024
Thinking of Barbara today and every day, such a beautiful person, so missed. Ed and Jim, so strong for Barbara, God bless.
Gerry Harrington
April 17, 2023
Ed
I am so sorry to hear of you loss. Please reach out if you need anything, you and Barb were there for me, once. I have never forgotten you and Barb´s kindness and support. When you feel up to it let me know.
Gerry
Gerry
Dr Vallecorsa
April 16, 2023
Haven´t known Barb as a patient and witnessed her struggle with her illness, I can´t imagine anyone dealing with it so valiantly. It was my honor to have her as a patient and to have known her as a person.
May God grant her grace and peace.
Maria,Meg and family
April 16, 2023
Dear Ed and family,
We are with you in thoughts and prayers.
So thankful to have had Barbara in our lives.
During Megs college years away at St. Rose, Barbara offered her support, which we welcomed. Barbara´s kindness, easy spirit,self assertion and comic relief gave us peace of mind, knowing she was there by Meg.
In a recent note Barbara wrote "My tranquil walk along the beach gave me a great sense of peace"- "just quietness and calm."
"The ocean always calms my soul"
Barbara captured this photo.
JOHN T. ALBARELLI SR.
April 16, 2023
BRIAN and ANDREA- So sorry to hear about BARBARA ANNE. May GOD BLESS her and may she rest in peace forever. We will keep her in our prayers. With deepest sympathy- JOHN and MARIA.
Trudy and John Frank
April 15, 2023
Having known Barbara has increased joy and hope in my world! She was amazing, brave, loving and fun! Both John and I are holding the family close in our prayers! Love, Trudy and John
Steven Aceto
April 15, 2023
Dear Ed, My deepest condolences on your loss.
Steven Aceto
Ceil Gallucci
April 15, 2023
Dear Ed,
I am so sorry to read about the passing of Barbara. I attended Dominican College with Barbara, and have many wonderful memories. We kept in touch through Facebook, and I would see her on my occasional visits to Theresa in South Glens Fall.
We had many wonderful times.
My prayers are with you, Jimmy and family.
Ceil Gallucci
Joe Hart
April 14, 2023
Dear Ed,
I will not be able to attend services, nor do I have our address for a card. Please know you and your family have my deepest sympathy for the suffering that Barbara endured and your suffering in her loss.
John DiNuzzo
April 13, 2023
My condolences to Barbara's family at this time of sorrow. I remember her tagging along with her brothers as kids, very patient and tolerant of their adventures. (Like Mrs. Harris!) Just a sweet girl who became a sweet woman. I know you will cherish your memories of Barbara, as I do.
Laura
April 13, 2023
My condolences to the family. Barbara was one of those special people that you instantly fell in love with. She was charming, witty, caring, so strong and courageous with an amazing sense of humor. She is so missed but so loved
Mark Fiet
April 13, 2023
Roger, Sincere condolences to your family.Memory eternal.
Jeanne M Evangelista
April 12, 2023
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
The Staff of Parker Bros. Memorial Funeral Home
April 13, 2023
Offering our deepest sympathies during this time.
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
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Memorial Events
for Barbara O'Neill
Apr
16
Visitation
3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Parker Bros. Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.2013 Broadway, Watervliet, NY 12189-2225
Funeral services provided by:
Parker Bros. Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.2013 Broadway, Watervliet, NY 12189-2225
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