Obituary of Loretta Mae O'Neil

It is with both sorrow at the end of life’s journey and admiration of an incredible legacy, that we announce the passing of Loretta Mae O’Neil at home in Coral Springs, Florida on Sunday, August 6, 2017 at the age of 90.

Loretta is remembered as a classy lady, defined by her kindness, loyalty and her tenacity in the way she lived her life and raised her family. She was a supportive and loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandma and friend.  Her independence and personal strength were her foundation until the end.

Born on December 19, 1926, in Wallaceburg, Ontario to Mary (Lennox) and Bruce Bishop. Loretta was the youngest of six children that included Clinton, Pansy, Jack, Mildred, and Gordon. A child of the Greatest Generation, Loretta was raised by her loving, hard-working mom, after the tragic death of her father when she was 4. She married Gerald Bernard O’Neil on January 22, 1949 and shared an incredible and fulfilling life, moving between Canada and the U.S. but always proud of their Canadian roots.

Loretta and Gerry, her husband of 53 years, raised five children, while caring for her mother and their son John, a special needs child. Loretta’s home was her universe, one defined by warmth and love that was centred around their kitchen table; a place not only for family meals but great discussions and debates, and where life lessons were shared. She created a home where friends and family were always welcome and would leave with lifetime memories.

She leaves wonderful memories with her children, Barb (Dan), Connie (Jim), Laury (Mark), John and Keith (Gail), her grandchildren David (Stacy), Nicole (Brian), Jessica, Marley (Ted), Keatin, Katie, Mallory and Dalton and her great-grandchildren Jordyn, Jacob, Alexander, Ryan, Kaelyn, Liam, Riley and Kinsale.  Predeceased by her loving husband Gerry (2002), her sisters Pansy and Mildred, and brothers Clinton, Jack and Gordon. Loretta will be fondly remembered by her sister(-in-law) Marjorie Edgar (Bill) and her many nieces and nephews.  

Those we love never leave, they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, always near, always missed and forever held in our hearts. 

Mom, you are now in the embrace of your loving husband. Your daily prayers will be carried in our hearts with admiration and love and will inspire us to be the best we can be in your honor.

A memorial visitation will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S, Waterloo on Saturday, August 19, 2017 from 12 noon to 1:30 pm followed by a funeral liturgy and a reception to follow in the fireside reception of the funeral home. A private interment at Parkview Cemetery, Waterloo.

Condolences for the family and in lieu of flowers, donations to Elmira District Community Living (elmiradcl.com) may be arranged through the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.