Marie E. O'Neil

When a young teenager, Marie took a job as the live-in babysitter for the William O’Neil family of Hyannis Port. It was here she met her future husband, Dr. Francis C. O’Neil. They married in Cuba and returned to Hyannis Port to raise their family. It was a full house, six children, many dogs and other pets, lots of friends of all ages and many relatives. The door was always open. There was always room for extras at every meal, and visitors stopped by at all times.

Traditions were important and with her husband she built the foundation for celebrating holidays and special family occasions together. This meant often 20-30 plus guests, a tradition that has carried on to her great grandchildren. Marie and Frank enjoyed sailing their Wianno Senior “Shamrock” together in the summer, spending an afternoon on the beach, a picnic on Sundays and a good scotch. She escaped the New England winter over the course of many years to St. Martin and then to Turks & Caicos with her daughter Terry, and her family.

Marie was a Nantucket basket weaver for 36 years. It was a favorite hobby, and she had a wonderful community of weavers she worked with. Her baskets are proudly displayed in the homes of her children and grandchildren, and they were always a hot ticket item at the many auctions she donated them to.

Marie’s greatest joy were her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Marie had a way of ensuring the good outweighed the bad even in the face of life’s challenges and sorrows. She was forgiving and loving. She adored all her grandchildren, ensuring each one – at some point or another – was convinced they were her favorite. Her family across all the generations was raised to cherish and respect Marie and the wonderful life they had. They learned to value the importance of time spent together and holding on to family tradition, even as their lives grew outward with new family members, marriages, jobs and the day-to-day responsibilities of life.

Marie will be remembered as a strong and resilient woman. Content with life, friends, and most of all family. She will be dearly missed.

Marie is survived by her daughters Margaret Holden (Rick), Cheryl Weber (Hans Peter), Terry Jaxtimer (EJ), and daughter in law Louise O’Neil (Stephen). Her grandchildren Richmond Holden (Kati), Carly Holden (Randall), Harry Holden (Lauren), Jeffrey O’Neil (Jill), Bonnie O’Neil, Shannon Weber, Christopher Weber, Jonathan Jaxtimer (Libby), Jamie Jaxtimer (fiance Kait), and Sam Jaxtimer (partner Tess). Her great grandchildren Ry Holden, Emily Holden, Elizabeth Holden, Frankie Holden-Carter, Ben O’Neil and Oliver O’Neil. Nephews Greg O’Neil (Kathy), Robert O’Neil (Tami), and niece Carolyn Wills. Marie is preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Francis C. O’Neil, and sons Francis, Jeffrey, and Stephen. She is also predeceased by her sister, Marjorie Zitt whose surviving children and Marie's nieces and nephews are Edward, Madeline, Jackie, Judy, Patty and Tom.

Honoring Marie’s wishes, there will be no funeral service and burial will be private.

Donations can be made in her name to:

Centerville – Osterville - Marstons Mills Fire and Rescue Department, 1875 Falmouth Road, Centerville, Massachusetts 02632