Margaret O'Neill Obituary

Margaret Mary O'Neill

October 20, 1934 - January 16, 2025

Kennewick, Washington - Margaret M. "Peggy" O'Neill died peacefully January 16, 2025 with family at her side. She was born October 20,1934 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the fourth of 5 children born to Edwin and Mary MacNamara. She grew up in Philadelphia. She graduated from St. Huberts Girls Catholic High School in 1952. After high school, she worked as a secretary before marrying Bernard James "Bernie" O'Neill Jr. in 1955.

In 1958, they moved west, eventually settling in Pasco in 1972 with their 7 children where she made her home for the next 53 years. Their marriage of 42 years was a partnership full of love, until Bernie's passing in 1998.

Peggy was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. After her children were older, she returned to work as a paraeducator at Longfellow Elementary School, where she spent many years helping children with reading, supervising playground activities, and ensuring their safety. She made many lifelong friendships at the school, some of which she cherished up until her passing. Peggy retired in 1999, but her impact on those around her remained.

Her joys in life were simple but profound- her faith, family, friends, and the activities of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved tending to her flowers and was a passionate supporter of WSU football. A longtime member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Pasco, Peggy served on the Altar Society and Parish Council.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband Bernie and daughter Kelly. She is survived by her children Bernie (Janet) O'Neill, Patti (Wayne) Krafft, Tom (Rosalyn) O'Neill, Dan (Desiree) O'Neill, Mary (Michael) Grace, and Nancy (Steve) Chappell; her grandchildren Leslie Hieb, Chris O'Neill, Jenny Brown, John Raymond Salinas, Marcus O'Neill Shaw, Casey Krafft, and Emma Chappell; and her great grandchildren Austin and Addison Hieb, Jayden, Blakely, and Deklyn Salinas, Gavin and Grady Brown, Charlie, Aleah O'Neill and Maggie O'Neill Shaw

A Rosary will be held February 10, 2025 at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Pasco, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all those who supported Peggy throughout her life, and they are grateful for the love and kindness shown to her in her final years.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital www.stjude.org.