Patricia M. O’Neil – mother, friend, and devoted grandmother – passed peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Friday, August 29. She was 70 years old.
Patricia was someone who found her greatest joy in being with family—quiet moments, shared laughter, and gathering around the table. Born in Somerville on June 2, 1955, to the late Leo C. O’Neil Sr. and Dorothy M. (Lynch) O’Neil, Patricia was a gentle, thoughtful child who was happiest when helping others. She was raised in Billerica and later made her home in Dracut, where she lived for 48 wonderful years.
As an adult, Patricia built a meaningful career as a Programming Engineer at Lockheed Martin in Hudson, where she worked diligently for two decades. Her truest calling, though, was in caring for others. She gave her time generously to the STEP (Special Teams for Exceptional People) program in Lowell, helping create spaces where children and adults with disabilities could play, build friendships, and gain confidence. Patricia’s warmth and patience made her a natural in this role. The relationships she formed there reflect the compassion that guided and defined her life.
Patricia also adored her dog Molly, her constant companion and steady source of comfort. Whether it was sitting side by side in the yard or enjoying the small, ordinary joys of the day, Molly filled Patricia’s life with tenderness and unconditional love.
Forever cherished, Patricia’s legacy lives on through her family: her daughter, Jaime Brunco and her husband Michael of Dracut; her son, Brian Dean and his wife Cheryl of Dracut; her sister, Judi Wanamaker and her husband Stephen of Billerica; and her two beloved grandchildren, Michael and Kyle Brunco. She was predeceased by her brothers, Leo O’Neil Jr. and Robert O’Neil.
A graveside service will be held Thursday, September 4, at Fox Hill Cemetery, 130 Andover Rd., Billerica, at 1 p.m. Following the graveside service, Patricia’s family invites all who wish to join them for a celebration of life at the Billerica Elks Memorial, 14 Webb Brook Rd., Billerica.
Contributions may be made in Patricia’s name to Boston MedFlight at www.bostonmedflight.org/make-a-gift/.
To all who knew her and all who loved her, Patricia's family thanks you for carrying her memory forward.
Previous Events
Graveside
4
Sep
130 Andover Rd.
Billerica, MA 01821
