Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Donna O'Neill Obituary
Donna Gleason O'Neill died peacefully on February 25, 2024 at age 69 in her Annandale, Virginia home. The daughter of Dr. Donald F. Gleason and Nancy Breitung Gleason, is survived by sisters Sue Anderson and Ginger Venable, residents of Minnesota. Also surviving are her husband of 46 years William S. O'Neill and their four children: Kathleen Ricketts (Michael), and Megan Butalla (Justen) of Richfield MN, Michael (Lauren) and Matthew (Erica) who reside in Virginia. Donna was the proud grandmother of seven grandchildren.
Donna graduated summa cum laude from the Georgetown University School of Linguistics and received her Masters in Education from George Mason University. For 29 years Donna combined her passions for science and language as an ESL science teacher at Fairfax County's Luther Jackson Middle School where she was loved and admired by her students and co-workers.
Naturally curious and an avid reader, Donna's insatiable appetite for learning resulted in a great appreciation for cultures and cuisines; as well numerous interests including crocheting, pottery, soccer, swimming, and yoga. Then she met pickleball !!!
Donna's pride and joy was family first with special attention to grandchildren. Truly a loving wife, mom, and Gigi, already missed by all.
The family may announce a memorial service at a future date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donna O'Neill
5 Entries
Jane Polzer
April 1, 2024
Bill and family - this is such a shock to hear. Donna was such a force and fun and inspirational person. Please know my thoughts are with you all and I´ll miss her.
Liz Hathaway Castelán
March 30, 2024
Donna was one of the first persons I met at Derham Hall High School. We shared side-by-side lockers freshman year. She also was in many of my classes. Her work ethic, curiosity, and strong intellect made all of us better students. I remember her playing the guitar and singing for us in Spanish class. Her beautiful smile, and her open and loving personality drew everyone to her. I can only imagine the impact she made by her teaching, and the wonderful wife, mother and grandmother I am sure she was. Her strong spirit will continue to shine on all who were lucky enough to know her.
Mary Lindberg Beal
March 30, 2024
I went to high school with Donna and spent time with her after school. Indeed, Donna was the smartest person I have ever known. I knew she would do well in college. I loved going to her home near the vets hospital where her father worked. Thought it was cool they lived in this big brick house as part of Fort Snelling. So sorry to hear this and my condolences to her husband, children and rest of family and friends
Peter Troedson
March 19, 2024
Rest in peace, Donna.
Felicia Meier
March 4, 2024
May you rest in peace, Donna. I remember working with you in our very early days of teaching in Arlington. It was your bright smile and hearty laugh that I remember well.
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
Make a Donation
in Donna O'Neill's name
Memorial Events
for Donna O'Neill
How to support Donna's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Donna O'Neill's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
