Gloria Triggs O'Neill

Gloria Triggs O’Neill, 92, of Austin and formerly of Houston, passed away peacefully on the morning of Friday, January 13, 2023. Gloria was born to Lois and Albert Triggs Jr. in Jacksonville, TX on October 16, 1930.

Gloria and her younger brother, Richard, had a wonderful childhood with their parents and extended family. From an early age, her faith was nurtured by her parents, grandparents, and doting aunts and uncles.

At the age of 8, Gloria and her family moved to Lubbock, Tx. Gloria graduated from Lubbock High School in 1949. Shortly after, the family moved to Maysfield, TX. Gloria attended Southwestern University in Georgetown from 1949 to 1951.

On November 22, 1951, Gloria married Leo James O’Neill, Jr. (Jim) of Cameron, TX. while he was serving in the US Navy and stationed in Memphis, TN. Their marriage lasted 32 years until his death in 1983. Gloria was a devoted wife, caring for her husband during his extensive illness. She was a loving and nurturing mother to her five children and a devout Catholic who took great comfort in her faith. After the death of her husband, Gloria enjoyed traveling with her mother, reestablishing dear friendships, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She worked part-time in Houston, helping customers pick beautiful accessories, fabrics, and lamps for their homes. She had quite an eye for detail. In 2008, Gloria moved to Austin following a brief illness.

Survivors include children Mike (Faith) O’Neill of Mesquite, TX; John O’Neill of Springfield, MO; Tom O’Neill of Walsenburg, CO; Nancy (Greg) Salley of Austin; and Jim (Mary) O’Neill of the Woodlands, TX. Gloria leaves behind 7 adored grandchildren: Erin O’Neill, Matthew (Alana) O’Neill, Meredith (Bryan) Fowler, Marisa Salley, Joseph (Sophie) O’Neill, Clayton Salley and Christopher O’Neill. As well as 3 great-grandchildren: Claire & Adrian Garcia and baby Ollie O’Neill. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Barbara O’Neill DeArmond, and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends she considered family. She is predeceased by her husband, her granddaughter Katherine O’Neill, and by her parents and brother.

Gloria was a very loving and faithful woman. She was an outstanding wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She saw the best in everyone and made lasting friendships throughout her life. She truly never met a stranger, always interested in those she met. She had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. She loved keeping up with the lives of her children and grandchildren. Later in life, Gloria took great comfort in her Bible and in discussing faith with family and friends. She was a pillar of love and encouragement to all.

We find comfort in knowing mom lived a full and happy life. Her legacy will carry forward, reminding us to live a life full of gratitude and love for others.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Heart to Heart Hospice, and to the staff at Sodalis Assisted Living for the tender care during mother’s final days. You were all a blessing. Mom’s special angels - Kate Hill, Kathy Metzler, Pat & Jim Boyer, Doris & Dave Sykora, Judy Evans, JoAnn Sliger, Stef & Wilma Seuser, and so many others going unnamed due to space. Thank you for the rich fellowship you shared with mom. We thank the staff and residents at Western Trails and the former Englewood Estates for the many friendships and wonderful memories mom has been blessed with since calling Austin home.

A visitation for Gloria will be held Thursday, February 2, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Weed-Corley-Fish, 2620 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704 with a rosary service from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A funeral mass will occur Friday, February 3, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 4800 Convict Hill Rd, Austin, TX 78749 followed by a graveside service will occur Friday, February 3, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Little River Cemetery, 3446 FM979, Cameron, TX 76520.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenforestoaks.com for the O'Neill family.