Beanie O'Neill

Beanie lived her life with a rare combination of strength, kindness, and unwavering optimism. Born and raised in Seattle, she grew up in a family deeply committed to civic leadership and service to others. From an early age, she developed a strong sense of fairness and compassion that would guide her throughout her life. She believed everyone deserved dignity, respect, and kindness, and she quietly championed those values wherever she went.

Those who knew Beanie often described her as the warmest person they had ever met. She had an extraordinary gift for making people feel welcome, valued, and cared for. She viewed the world through what her family affectionately called "rose-colored glasses," always finding the good in people and choosing hope over cynicism. Her gentle spirit was reflected in even the smallest acts of kindness. She was the type of person who would carefully carry a spider outside rather than harm it, believing all living things deserved compassion.

Beanie graduated from Saint Nicholas School in Seattle in 1967 and later attended Colorado College and the University of Washington. In 1971, she married Thomas W. O'Neill. Together they welcomed their beloved daughter, Erin Elizabeth O'Neill, in December 1979.

Throughout her career at the Port of Seattle Federal Credit Union and in every community she joined, Beanie built lasting friendships and touched countless lives. She was known for her generosity, determination, and ability to make others smile. She approached life with enthusiasm and curiosity, embracing every opportunity for adventure.

Her passions included gardening, traveling, skiing, boating, and motorcycling. She earned the title of Master Gardener in 2003 and created beautiful flower gardens wherever she lived. She was an active member of the Seattle Outboard Racing Association, the Gold Wing Road Riders Motorcycle Association, and Washington State Master Gardeners.

Beanie shared many adventures with her husband, Steve Johnson. Together they skied throughout Washington, Oregon, British Columbia, and Colorado; explored the western United States by motorcycle, with Beanie proudly riding her own Gold Wing; traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada by motorhome; and visited destinations including New Zealand, Australia, Sweden, Scotland, Mexico, the Caribbean, Canada, and Hawaii. Whether she was tending flowers in her garden or discovering a new corner of the world, she approached each day with gratitude, wonder, and joy.

Beanie was preceded in death by her father, Alan Ferguson; her mother, Marge Ferguson; her stepmother, Maggie Ferguson; her brother, Duncan Ferguson; and her first husband, Thomas W. O'Neill.

She is survived by her loving husband of 40 ½ years, Steve Johnson of Bremerton, Washington; her daughter, Erin Kimble, and son-in-law, Josh Kimble, of Danville, Indiana; her cherished grandsons, Duncan Kimble and Shane Kimble; and her stepsister Jane Hamer of Petaluma, California.

More than anything, Beanie will be remembered for the love she gave so freely, the kindness she showed to everyone she met, and the optimism she carried through every season of life. She left the world brighter than she found it, and her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, April 4, 2027, at Bremerton Elks Lodge No. 1181, 4131 Pine Road, Bremerton, WA 98310. Additional details will be shared at a later date.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please make a donation in her name to the cause of your choice.