Alice O’Neill

Alice O'Neill, 95, passed away on Saturday, July 22,2023 in Abilene, Texas. A visitation and rosary will be held on Thursday July 27,2023 from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM at Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel, 5750 Hwy 277 South. A mass service will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 837 Jeanette St. on Friday, July 28,2023 from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Interment will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park, 5750 Hwy 277 South.

Alice was born on February 7, 1928, in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania to her loving parents Aristide and Josephine Zandanel. She was born in Pennsylvania but grew up in New Jersey. On June 10, 1950, she married her loving husband Joseph T. O'Neill in New Jersey, they spent 64 years of marriage together. Prior to her marriage, Alice had an exciting chapter in her life as part of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus. She rode elephants and even performed at Madison Square Garden. However, after her first performance with the circus, Alice realized that her true calling lay elsewhere. Throughout Joseph's career in the Air Force, Alice accompanied him on numerous travels. During these journeys across the country and abroad, Alice passionately pursued her dedication to education by teaching English at schools along the way. However, when their five boys came into their lives, Alice chose to become a full-time stay-at-home mom to provide them with unwavering love and support. Her boys were her world and she raised them to be very successful men. Crossword puzzles were something that she had great skills in, and she was amazing at spelling. Alice was a dedicated member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Alice touched countless lives throughout her life. She will forever be remembered for her kindness, compassion, and unwavering love for her family.

Alice is survived by her four sons, Gregory J. and wife Shari O'Neill, Patrick J. and wife Grayce O'Neill, Dennis J. and wife Dawn O'Neill, Daniel J. and wife Jackie O'Neill; her daughter-in-law, Melissa O'Neill; 11 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; any many other family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph T. O'Neill and son, Brendan J. O'Neill.

Her absence leaves an immense void in our hearts; however, we take solace in knowing that she is now reunited with her beloved husband and son in eternal peace. In lieu of flowers the family would like any donations to go to Hendrick Hospice.