Elizabeth Tara O'Neil

Elizabeth “Liz” Tara (Coughlin) O’Neil, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her closest friends and family. For the last year and a half of her life, Liz lived with bulbar-onset ALS — but she never let it define her. She met it with the same strength, compassion, sharp wit, and ability to find beauty in even the hardest moments that had guided her throughout her life. Even as the disease robbed her of her voice, it never touched her spirit.

Born on June 21st, 1969, in Acton, Massachusetts, Liz was the oldest of four siblings and a force in her family from the very beginning. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas “Tom” and Carol Coughlin, who instilled in her a love of New England, the ocean, seafood, and the joy of gathering people together. Childhood trips to Maine became the blueprint for the life she would build: one centered on connection, laughter, and the simple beauty of being surrounded by the people she loved.

Liz graduated from Syracuse University in 1991 with a degree in Finance and Economics — and on her very first day of college, she met her future husband, Peter O’Neil, at Sadler Hall. She was also a proud member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, where she served as treasurer and formed friendships that lasted throughout her life. Liz and Peter were married on December 3, 1996, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Washington, DC, beginning a marriage of 33 years defined by devotion, adventure, and a shared love of creating memories.

Professionally, Liz was equally formidable. Over her 36-year career at AMS and later CGI Federal, she championed women and young professionals, rising to the C-suite through her brilliance, integrity, and unwavering commitment to others. In 2025, she received the CGI Builder Award — the company’s most prestigious honor — recognizing her extraordinary contributions to clients, partners, and shareholders. Her colleagues admired her so deeply that they named their new customer relationship management tool after her initials: EON, the Enterprise Opportunity Navigator. True to form, Liz continued working nearly until the end of her life, determined to see the product launch and to support her team — a lasting testament to her professionalism and dedication.

At home, Liz’s world revolved around her family and friends. Her children were the center of her universe, and she loved supporting them in every adventure — driving them to all their sporting events, serving on parent committees, hosting their friends, and always being the steady presence they leaned on. That love extended naturally to her beloved “Pod” — the Smith and McCool families — who gathered for Sunday dinners for nearly nineteen years. She cherished evenings by the fireplace with her tribe, a glass of Sancerre or a ranch water in hand. She and her family traveled widely, both in the U.S. and abroad, and the trips she took through the Arlington Schools’ exchange program with Aachen, Germany remained some of her most treasured adventures.

Liz cherished her people above all else, and that tribe rose up and surrounded her with a strength and love that can never be fully measured — but meant everything to her, especially because she never sought the spotlight. For Liz, it was always about raising up and supporting others, whether they were family, friends, or her CGI colleagues around the world. Those who worked with her and knew her best simply called her a “badass,” with a rare combination of resilience, empathy, and razor-sharp humor — her sassy one-liners were legendary. Even when she could no longer eat, she continued cooking for her family, crafting their favorite meals with love, determination, and joy. A few days before she passed, when asked what her family could do for her, she gave a simple answer: “Love each other.”

Liz is survived by her husband, Peter O’Neil and her three children, who called her their hero and their north star: Bryn O’Neil (28) of New York City, Coughlin James “CJ” O’Neil (25) of Washington, DC, and William “Liam” O’Neil (20) of Arlington, Virginia. She is also survived by her sister, Caroline (Coughlin) Colonies, and brother-in-law, Jason Colonies, and their daughters, Georgia and Paige of Narragansett, RI; her brother, Sean Coughlin, and his wife, Amy, and their children, Ian, Emily, and Joshua of Middlebury, CT; her brother, Christopher Coughlin, and his wife, Jessica (Lundzil) Coughlin, and their sons, Joseph “Joe” and Matthew “Matty” Coughlin of Hamilton, MA, and numerous cousins who adored her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 10, 2026, at Washington Golf and Country Club. A private memorial service will be held at Murphy’s Funeral Home preceding the Celebration of Life. A Catholic service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Empowering Care Begins Here | VHC Health Foundation (https://vhchealthfoundation.org/give/) in gratitude for the extraordinary care Liz received in her final days.