O’NEILL , Colleen O’Neill

O’Neill: Colleen – Colleen O’Neill passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, August 16, 2025.

Born on January 23rd, 1932 to parents Nettie (née Earley) (1952) and Douglas (1972) Kennedy. Colleen was very proud of her Scottish heritage. After graduating from Merlin District High School, she attended and graduated from Chatham Business College. She married Joseph O’Neill, September 20th 1952 and had a very happy marriage for 73 years, raising four children: Bob (Ginny), Dan (Adrienne), Jody (Frank) and Mark (Lucy).

Grandma will be lovingly missed by her ten grandchildren and spouses. She loved and supported her grandchildren through all of their activities: Alison, Brynne, Amy, Cameron, Eric, Tim, Connor, Leah, Grant and Quinn. Grandma was blessed to have 6 beautiful great-grandchildren that meant the world to her.

Colleen was a member of Maple City Country Club, Captain Garnet Brackin Chapter IODE, Chatham Granite Curling Club and CWL of St. Ursula’s Parish. She also offered her time serving her community through Meals on Wheels and St. Joseph Hospital. She loved her Merlin girlfriends that brought a lifetime of memories and laughs. Colleen also appreciated and enjoyed her friendship with the bridge girls.

Predeceased and loved by Wilfred and Mabel O’Neill and by Edythe Kennedy. Colleen had many hobbies including nurturing animals, being an avid reader and decorating. Reading magazines and watching HGTV was a favorite pastime. Though her most recent and happiest times were spent reminiscing with her loving husband and best friend Ol’ Joe about all the great memories and happy adventurous times they spent together. She had a beautiful life.

Colleen’s family are especially grateful for the incredible team of caregivers that have provided not only great care, but love and friendship over her last few years.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 from 4:00 – 7:00pm at McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Ursula’s Church, 205 Tweedsmuir Ave W., Chatham on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 11:00am. A Reception will follow Mass at Links of Kent from 12:00pm – 2:00pm. A Family interment will follow at St. Anthony Cemetery following the reception.

Those planning an expression of remembrance are asked to consider the Chatham Kent Community Foundation (Colleen and Joe O’Neill Community Betterment Fund).

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at McKinlay Funeral Homes Ltd.