Rosella O'Neil Sayers

Rosella Gertrude O’Neil Sayers, age 96, of Austin, Texas died peacefully on February 27, 2025. She was born on November 30, 1928 in Ames, Iowa to Gertrude Cooper O’Neil and Patrick Henry O’Neil. She was the favorite (and only) sister to her three big brothers Charles, James, and Eugene.

Growing up in Ames, Rosella attended St. Cecilia Catholic School and graduated from Ames High School. She then went on to attend Iowa State University where she was a proud member of Pi Beta Phi sorority, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics. It was there that Rosella spotted a handsome young man while studying in the library and that is where the rest of her life began! Rosella married that man, Leonard J. Sayers on August 24th, 1950 and they moved to Oak Park, Illinois where Len was finishing up medical school at Northwestern University in Chicago. While living there, Tara and Kerry were born. The young family then moved to Austin, Texas where Len started his medical practice and Jim and Linne were born.

Rosella was an active member of the Austin community serving on many committees at St. Austin Catholic Church and School. One of her joys was being instrumental in commissioning a new organ for the church. She was equally involved in the Christ Child Society of Austin, Seton Hospital Medical Auxiliary, The Junior League of Austin, Austin Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club, Meals on Wheels, and Tarry House, where she and Len were founding members.

As most of you know, Rosella and Len were the ultimate entertaining tag team -- he was in charge of “delicious”, while she was in charge of “beautiful”. From high-priced fundraising dinners, outdoor picnics, murder mystery dinners, to the weekly Sunday supper at their home, Rosella made every meal lovely and memorable. They were happiest with family and dear friends gathered around their welcoming table! Rosella always had a project in the works – decorating, sewing, painting, and even needlepointing 18 Christmas stockings for the family! Sports were another interest of Rosella’s. She nervously cheered Jim on in all of his football games, rooted for her grandkids’ Maroons, Spartans, and H.P. Scots teams, and rallied behind her adopted Longhorns… unless of course, they were playing Iowa State!

As mentioned above, Rosella had many loves and interests, but family was her most precious! She was so very proud of each one of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren – all 44 of them!

Rosella was preceded in death by Leonard, her husband of 69 years; her parents, Gertrude and Henry O’Neil; her 3 brothers Charles, James, and Eugene; and great-grandson Les LiVolsi-Crosby. She is loved, missed, and survived by her children Tara and Jim Crosby, Kerry and Lewis Brown, Jim and Tammy Sayers, and Linne and Andy Sitzer. “Ma’s” grandchildren are Justin and Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Andrew and Kana LiVolsi Crosby, Clare and Steve Coakley: Lewis and Wynne Brown, Sayers and Christy Brown, Mollie and Graham Brown; Blake and Sean Bell, James and Alexis Sayers; Kellar Sitzer, O’Neil and Megan Sitzer, and Jack Sitzer. And her great-grandchildren are Jideora, Eziobi, and Kamdi Crosby; Bo and Graham Coakley; Bessie, Cadell, Margaret Rose, and Henry Brown; Cooper, Reid, and Claire Brown; Lilian, Owen, and Mae Brown; and Sayers Bell.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Austin Catholic Church, 2026 Guadalupe Street, Austin, Texas 78705 on Tuesday April 1st at 12:30 pm. Following the Memorial Mass there will be a reception from 2:00-4:00 at Tarry House, 3006 Bowman Avenue, Austin, Texas 78703.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Austin Catholic Church’s Persons in Need fund or Choir fund, Pease Park Conservancy, or a charity of your choice.

“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful; I will put you in charge of many things. Come share your Master’s happiness!” Matthew 25:21