Marie R O'Neill

Yarmouth – Marie Ryan O’Neill, 83, peacefully passed away at Bay Square Assisted Living in Yarmouth, ME on September 4, 2015. Marie and her husband of 53 years, Arthur S. O’Neill, Esq., were married in 1960 in Philadelphia with a reception at the Rittenhouse. Longtime residents’ of St. David’s, they were very active in the St. Katharine of Siena Church in Wayne.

Marie worked for the Fairmont Parks Commission for several years and spent countless hours volunteering for the Lankenau Hospital Auxiliary. Among her many other contributions to humanity were her astonishing shrimp dip, her incomparable leg of lamb with mint jelly and the candied yams that the grandchildren could never get enough of. Thanks, Oma!

For the adults, her seemingly bottomless Wassail bowl was very, very much appreciated during the holiday season. Though always a gracious host, generous with nosh and repartee alike, let there be no mistake, Marie ruled her kitchen with an iron skillet. While a passing “Hello Oma”, was always welcome, beware the uninvited intruder who might raise the decibel level anywhere near a delicate soufflé.

But perhaps Marie’s most vital culinary contributions didn’t occur anywhere near her kitchen. For many years, Marie served first as a volunteer, then as director for the Main Line Meals on Wheels. Managing food preparation, packaging and logistics, Marie and 250 other volunteers delivered two meals a day, five days a week including holidays to 120 Main Line seniors – much appreciated by so many, especially those who may not have any other human contact all day.

Marie is survived by the family that meant the world to her: daughter Marie O’Neill (Stephen Davis) of Stamford, CT; daughter Katharine O’Neill (Paul Guerin) of Portland, ME; son Stephen O’Neill (Alexis O’Neill) of San Jose, CA; her grandchildren: Wallis and Arthur Perry, William Guerin, Riley and Shane O’Neill. She was preceded in death by her husband Arthur S. O’Neill, II; her son Arthur S. O’Neill III and her brother Michael Ryan.

The family wishes to extend many thanks to the wonderful staff at The Harbor at Bay Square in Yarmouth, ME for her care over the past year and to Hospice of Southern Maine.

Services will be held at St. Katharine of Siena, 104 South Aberdeen Avenue, Wayne, PA on Monday September 21, 2015 at 10:00 AM. A time of gathering and visitation will take place from 9 – 10 AM prior to the service. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Donations in Marie’s name can be made to: Main Line Meals on Wheels, 235 Lancaster Avenue, Devon, PA 19333.