Marcella Christine O'Neill

Marcella Kantoski O’Neill passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on October 31, 2015 at Hope Hospice House, Cape Coral, FL. She is survived by four daughters; Emily O’Neill, Sarasota, FL, Mary K O’Neill, Seguin, TX, Patricia (Richard) Hector, Bradenton, FL, Christine (Dave) Armuth, Columbus, IN. A son, Daniel (Linda) O’Neill, Cape Coral, FL. Eight granddaughters, Erin (Steve) Rauh, Shannon (Kevin) Schaal, and Megan Bunting all of Cape Coral, FL. Kelly (Derek) Merritt of Penfield, NY, Jennifer (Jon) Hurt, Katie (Robert) Schadenfroh, all from Columbus, IN. Megan Hector, Charlotte, NC and Clare Hector, Washington, D.C. One grandson, David (Lacie) Armuth, Columbus, IN. She is also survived by lifelong family friend, Gretchen Nasman. Marcella was also blessed with thirteen great grandchildren. She was affectionately known as “Grammy” by her grandchildren and “Mimi” by her great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Robert O’Neill in May, 2013, a son Patrick in 1949, both of her parents, two brothers, John, Edmund (Mungy), and a sister, Mary. In July 2012, Marcella also lost her loving son in law Col (Ret) N. Joe Thompson.

Marcella was born on November 1, 1921 to Joseph John Kantoski and Adelaide Anastasia Wasinsky in Clearfield County, PA. In 1940, she graduated as valedictorian of her class at Oceola Mills High School.

In 1946, Marcella married the love of her life, J.R. and they went on to be married for 66 years. She was a devoted wife and mother who made it her life's mission to take care of her family as a homemaker. Marcella loved to spend time in the kitchen cooking for her loved ones, while passing down family recipes and traditions. Those who loved her also knew a night was never complete without some hors d'oeuvres and red wine. In her younger years, she was a great card player and enjoyed playing Bridge and Gin Rummy. Whether at age 50 or 93, Marcella never missed an opportunity to attend any family event, whether it was a family dinner, kid's sporting event or vacation to the beach. Being around her family was what made her truly happy.

Funeral arrangements are being made by Coral Ridge Funeral Home, Cape Coral, FL. Interment will be at Sarasota National Cemetery where she will be laid to rest with her husband.

Our family would like to extend our sincere appreciation and thanks to everyone at Hope Hospice for the wonderful care that Marcella received there. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her name to Hope Hospice House, 2430 Diplomat Pkwy, Cape Coral, FL 33909.