Myrna L. O'Neill

Born on August 26, 1937, in Port Chester, New York, Myrna grew up in New Canaan and later Stamford, Connecticut. She graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in Stamford and went on to St. Vincent’s Hospital School of Nursing in Manhattan to become a registered nurse. Caring for others was undeniably Myrna’s calling, both personally and professionally.

Myrna worked at Greenwich Hospital for over 35 years, where she met her husband, Bobby — the love of her life while caring for his mother. She was deeply admired for her compassion, professionalism, and dedication to her patients. She also served as an instructor for Greenwich Hospital’s Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program, teaching and mentoring many students who went on to successful nursing careers.

After spending many family vacations on Longboat Key, Myrna and Bobby decided to move to Florida in 1989 and built their dream home in Sarasota. Many of their close friends came to visit them and eventually followed suit, moving to Sarasota as well. Those years were truly the best of times, filled with laughter, friendship, and togetherness. Myrna loved bringing people together, cooking, hosting get-togethers for family and friends, and continuing the tradition established in Connecticut of themed gourmet dinner club parties organized by their very tight-knit group of friends. Some of her other favorites were her annual Christmas cookie swaps and barbeque sunset cruises aboard their boat affectionately named “Myrna Lou.”

Outside of her nursing career, Myrna was incredibly talented and creative. She loved all types of crafting, always making beautiful handmade gifts for her family, friends, and patients. She continued her nursing career in Sarasota, working for Doctors Hospital and later for Take Care, where she thrived as a Home Health Nurse and Supervisor until her retirement in 2002. During her nursing career in Sarasota, Myrna was honored with the distinguished Frist Humanitarian Award, recognizing her exceptional compassion, service, and dedication to the well-being of others — values she embodied every day of her life.

Myrna is survived by her two daughters, Beth and Meg (Michael), her cherished grandson, Shane, her brother, James Dolan (Joyce), and her many nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved so deeply and who brought her immense joy. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert F. O’Neill, to whom she was married for 59 years; her parents, Patrick and Mary Dolan, proud Irish immigrants from Manor Hamilton in County Leitrim and Dungarvan in County Waterford; and her dearly loved brother, Shaun Dolan.

Myrna lived a life filled with compassion, love, and kindness. Acts of service were indeed her love language. She was a devout Catholic with great faith. Her prayer list was legendary, so much so that family and friends would ask to be included. She prayed for everyone with her whole heart. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, caring nature, generosity, and love of animals. For many, the memories of grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup, sitting in Myrna’s cozy kitchen, chatting, crafting Christmas decorations, and always being surrounded by her animals (especially all the crazy poodles) perfectly capture who she was — warm, nurturing, and full of quiet joy. She had a gift for making everyone feel special and loved and she never missed a birthday, anniversary, or milestone, always sending cards with just the right words. She is so deeply missed. Myrna was a rare gem, truly one of a kind.

A private Mass will be held in Sarasota, Florida. A memorial Mass and luncheon will take place in Stamford, Connecticut, where Myrna and Bobby will be laid to rest together in Queen of Peace Cemetery in North Stamford. Details regarding the Mass and luncheon will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Myrna to one of the following organizations near and dear to Myrna’s Heart:

The Cat Depot, Sarasota

The Humane Society of Sarasota

Stamford Animal Shelter Alliance