Yvonne O'Neil

Peacefully on Friday, January 29th, 2021 in Oakville at the age of 90. Now reunited with beloved husband Gerald (2018). Loving mother of Dorothy (Tom), Steve (Pat), John (Liz), Bill (Carole), Margaret (Scott), Joan (Tom), Jim and Cathy (Dale). Cherished Grammy of David (Marina), Josh, Ashley (Matt), Matthew, Brad, Kyle, Bryan, Connor, Emma, Cameron and Sarah. Great-grandmother of Payton. Dear sister-in-law of Shirley Long and John and Joan O’Neil. Long-time member of the Catholic Women’s League.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Mary Mother of God Church, 2745 North Ridge Trail, Oakville on Wednesday, February 3rd at 11:00 a.m. Cremation to follow.

Respecting the current situation and pandemic restrictions, the funeral mass will be private. The family has provided the opportunity to view the zoom service from the comfort of your own home. Please click "Photos and Videos" for the link under webcast at time of service. On mobile devices and tablets the webcast link will be available by scrolling to the bottom of the page.
This link will become available at the time of the service.
A celebration of Yvonne’s life will take place when it is safe to do so.

If desired, remembrances to the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.

We thank you for your understanding and encourage you to provide your condolences to the family through this memorial page.

YVONNE ELLEN O’NEIL

Yvonne was born Nov.2nd, 1930 to Cordelia and Stanley Long and had an older brother Stanley. She graduated from Western Commerce High School at the young age of 16 and went to work as a secretary. She met Gerald (Gerry) O’Neil, a match made in heaven, and they were married Aug. 28th, 1954.

During the next nine years Yvonne gave birth to eight wonderful children and she became quite the homemaker. Even when times were tight she made delicious meals, always topped off with the most exceptional desserts. Once the youngest started school she went back to work as a purchaser, coming home on her lunch hour to prep meals and do laundry. She was the poster mom of multi-tasking.

When Gerry retired they moved to Exeter, Ontario and spent the winters in Dunedin, Florida, avid Blue Jay boosters. She continued sharing her baking with neighbours; anyone who shared lemons from their trees received lemon meringue pies. Yvonne became an excellent, top league shuffle boarder and continued to excel in both golfing and bowling. Everyone wanted Yvonne on their team! During this time Yvonne (Grammy) and Gerry (Papa) welcomed 11 grandchildren celebrating many of each family’s milestones. Grammy and Papa hosted the entire family every August long weekend for golf, cards, food and fun. Grammy didn’t enter the women’s tournament; she would have won every time!

While Gerry and the family were her first loves, Yvonne did love the music of “Old Blue Eyes” Frank Sinatra and joined in singing to all types of music. She really had no choice with Gerry’s extensive collection of big band, crooners, jazz and even some contemporary. She knew the words to every song and that memory stayed with her even when others faded.

In her later years Yvonne suffered from many health setbacks but she remained strong and fought through strokes, seizures, a knee and two hip replacements. After 64 years of marriage, constantly supporting each other, she lost Gerry. Now, just over two years later, they are together again.

Yvonne was a woman of great faith and charity. She belonged to the Catholic Women’s League, supporting many initiatives, especially knitting projects such as items for Sick Kids Hospital and parish projects. Of course she was an excellent knitter as well! She and Gerry sponsored 4 children at a time through Chalice, always so happy when they successfully became independent and immediately taking on another. Lady Yvonne participated in all the Knights of Columbus drives. She generously supported St. Vincent de Paul projects. And, if she heard of anyone in need, Yvonne gave what she had.

Not one to seek the spotlight, Yvonne supported others to shine. But her goodness and kindness were always evident. She was an amazing listener and could cut to the heart of the matter with just a few words. She had the most beautiful smile and shared it with everyone; she was so friendly and welcoming.

During the past year and a half Yvonne resided at Post Inn Village where she received amazing care and compassion. She welcomed her first great-grandchild during that time. A special thank you to all the staff on Willow who celebrated her joys, especially her 90th birthday this past November, and her trials, especially these past few weeks. You sent our angel to her final home with grace and so much love.

So, as hard as this is, we have to say goodbye, all of us with a big hole in our hearts. Rest in peace Mom/Grammy.

Love always