Patricia Elizabeth (Grogan) O'Neill

Patricia Elizabeth O’Neill, age 91, of Cohasset, MA, died peacefully on 6 March 2017 surrounded by family and Keira, our dog.  She was married for almost 52 years to Patrick (Eric) O’Neill who was born in Limerick, Ireland, emigrated to the US in 1950 and passed away in August 2005.  Born to Margaret Mary (Mills) and Dr. William Lester Grogan in Waterville, NY on 12 February 1926 she was raised in Utica, NY.  When Pat was just 16, her father died of heart issues incurred during his service as a medical doctor on the battlefield in Belgium in World War 1.  She graduated from St Lawrence University, Canton, NY with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology.  Her mother passed away in 1977 and her only sister, Anne, died in 1978.   She was the last survivor in our family of that great generation that lived through the Depression, WW II and the industrial and technological revolutions.  Pat is survived by her four children: Sheila O’Neill Hannon & Nick Hannon of Marlton, NJ; Deirdre O’Neill of Cambridge, MA; Peggy O’Neill & Steve McNamara of Northampton, MA; and Brian O’Neill & Christine O’Neill of Newton, MA.  She was enamored of her 8 grandchildren: Kathleen, Kevin, Maeve, Michael, Ian, Tess, Nora & Audrey.  She is also survived by her cousin Charlena (Fitzmaurice) Luddy of Holden, MA.  Pat loved her Irish O’Neill in-laws and treasured her numerous nieces and nephews who are situated all over the world.

Pat was a very strong character and really enjoyed living despite the obstacles and setbacks thrown in her direction.  She lived independently, and later with Deirdre, at her home of over 45 years in Cohasset, spending much of her time as a prolific, talented, award-winning watercolor artist – a Gallery Artist at South Shore Art Center in Cohasset.  She loved her immediate and extended family, her friends and her dogs, especially Cara, her companion of 16 years.  She had many friends and loved going out to lunch.  Pat had a beautiful smile and was a good listener, offering words of understanding and comfort to many people over her long life.  She was also very good at infuriating Eric.  

Family and friends will gather to celebrate Pat during visiting hours on Sunday, 19 March 2017 from 4-8 PM in McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home, 1 Summer St., Cohasset, MA.  Her funeral Mass will be offered on Monday, 20 March 2017 at 10 AM at St. Anthony Church, 10 Summer St., Cohasset.   In lieu of flowers, donations to honor Pat may be made in her name to the Cancer Research Institute (www.cancerresearch.org), her gift in memory of those loved ones lost to that disease.   

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