Nancy Isabel O'Neil

Nancy Isabel O’Neil (Vine) was born August 23, 1945, in Pawtucket, RI, to the parents Isabel M. (Kelleher) and Norman S. Vine. She was born of very humble beginnings, sharing a small home with her siblings Kenneth, Glenn, Judith (Judy), William (Bill), and Elizabeth (Liz).

Nancy attended schools in Attleboro MA, graduating HS in 1963. She enjoyed learning, and was the first of her siblings to attend college. She continued her education at Rhode Island College and The University of Rhode Island, ultimately earning her degree in History and Behavioral Sciences from Bridgewater State College in 1976. She continued her education at Bridgewater, eventually earning a Masters Degree in Counseling and Secondary Education. In 1990, she received her MBA from Anna Maria College.

Nancy worked in various jobs throughout her life. She worked at a soda fountain, Texas Instruments, Grants Department Store, and waitressed at Stone Ends’ in Attleboro all while attending school and raising children. Her true calling began in 1976 as she started her career in healthcare and social work at Sturdy Memorial Hospital, Attleboro MA. Nancy worked her way up the ladder and eventually served as Director of Social Services at Sturdy. In the early 1990’s, Nancy moved into Health Care Management. She was proud of the contributions she made to The Visiting Nurses Association and Caretenders. Over the course of time, health challenges caught up with Nancy which required her to retire earlier in 2001.

In 1960, while working as a soda fountain jerk, she met her husband, Dennis E. O’Neil, who was working at the Attleboro Post Office next door. Nancy married Dennis on April 23, 1966 at St. Theresa’s in South Attleboro, MA. They were married for 54 years. For most of their lives they resided in the Attleboro, MA area, and eventually moved to Brooksville, FL in 2003. Nancy enjoyed traveling to various locales including the Caribbean Islands, Florida, New England, the West Coast and even to the Kentucky Derby with Dennis.

She had a passion for quilting, enjoyed camping, gardening (poppies were her favorite), projects around the house, and her beloved pets Brighid and Buddy. She enjoyed traveling to the water, whether the ocean or lakes. Nancy was always looking forward to the next adventure.

Nancy is survived by her husband Dennis E. O’Neil of Brooksville, FL; her son, Patrick E. O’Neil and wife Andrea of Auburn, NH; daughter, Kelly A. O’Neil-Ashness and husband Stephen of North Reading, MA. Nancy’s passing is a tremendous loss to these families. Nancy was extremely proud of her three grandchildren: Kathryn O’Neil of Auburn, NH; Matthew Ashness of Tampa, FL; and Sean Ashness of North Reading, MA who will all miss her greatly. Her handmade quilts will be treasured forever and will be an everlasting comfort of her love to the family. She is also survived by her siblings Glenn Vine of Harwich, MA; Judith Hennessey of Olympia, WA; William Vine of South Attleboro, MA; and Elizabeth Dvorak of St. Mary’s Point, MN. She also leaves behind her Uncle Edward Kelleher and his wife Laura of Cumberland, RI.

Nancy had an outgoing personality and made friends easily. She will sorely be missed by her childhood friends Joan and Gene Pestana and many others including close family friend Chelsea. Nancy leaves behind many long-lasting memories and for those who knew her, an abundance of handmade quilts that will provide life-long comfort and remembrance of her.

Nancy’s wish was to have a bench overlooking the water in her memory. In lieu of flowers if you would like to make a contribution to her bench please contact her family either directly ([email protected]) or through Merritt Funeral Home, Spring Hill, FL.

No services are scheduled at this time.

ARRANGEMENTS BY

MERRITT FUNERAL HOME

SPRING HILL, FLORIDA

(352)686-6649

"Family Owned & Operated"

www.merrittfuneral.com