Patricia Hogan O'Neil

Patricia Hogan O’Neil, 81, peacefully joined her beloved husband of 57 years, CAPT Raymond O’Neil (USN Retired) on January 21, 2012, after a period of declining health. Devoted survivors include their children: Ellen (Wayne) Fuller of Virginia Beach; Jeff (Barb) O'Neil of Richmond; Mike (Dale) O'Neil of Alexandria; Mary Beth (David) Lane of McLean and Bill (Joann) O'Neil, of Lilburn, GA. Mom was the adoring grandmother of 14 grandchildren and one great-grandson: Daniel (Molly and son, William) of Austin, TX; Benjamin of Indianapolis, IN; Matt, Samuel and Hannah of Alexandria; Laura and Adam of Richmond; and Kevin, Austin, Mary Grace, Kathryn, Theresa, Clare and Helen of Lilburn, GA. She is also survived by her two sisters, Mary Ellen Taggart of Cherry Hill, NJ and Joan Montgomery of Fairfield, CT, as well as a wealth of other wonderful friends.

Mom received a bachelor's degree in mathematics from the College of St. Rose in Troy, New York, in 1951. She was president of her junior and senior classes, as well as elected Rose Queen. She received her master's degree in elementary education from the State University of New York (SUNY) in 1953.

Mom accompanied Dad during his 27-year Naval career and taught at most duty assignments, from Washington, DC to Charleston, SC, Guam, Philadelphia, Virginia Beach, Newport, RI and back to DC. They resided in the Mount Vernon area of Alexandria for over 40 years. Mom retired in 1987, after teaching 18 years at Hollin Meadows Elementary School in Alexandria. She found ways to make education fun and often ended up teaching all of the children in a family.

After retiring, our parents enjoyed traveling, learning and volunteering together. Mom and Dad, along with their family, were especially appreciative of “The Fairfax Family” – the wonderful friends and team members who made Mom and Dad’s final home for the last 9 years so comfortable and caring.

Mom will always be remembered for invoking the Blessed Mother’s intercession with “three quick Hail Marys” (with the operative word being “quick”), for her belief that “if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all,” for being a pioneer (math major and working mom way back in the day) and for being so present to and loving with her grandkids.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to: Sunday TV Mass, Office of Communications, Archdiocese of Washington-PO Box 29260-Washington , DC 20017-0260.

Reception at their final home, Belvoir Woods Health Care Center at The Fairfax, 9160 Belvoir Woods Parkway, Ft. Belvoir, VA 2260 - 3rd floor Bistro, at 2-4 p.m, Friday, 1/27.