ETHEL KATHLEEN O’NEIL
APRIL 25, 1918 – OCTOBER 26, 2016

Ethel passed away peacefully with her two daughters by her side at the Madonna Long Term Care Residence in Ottawa, on October 26, 2016 at the age of 98. She will be dearly missed by her daughters Susan and Bonnie and her son Dennis. Born in Ottawa on April 25, 1918 she is predeceased by her parents, Pearl Watson and Hugh Bellfoy, her husband of 43 years, Ralph Barker (Pat) O’Neil, her son Hugh James O’Neil, daughter-in-law Ann O’Neil, son-in-law Ed Crosby, her brother and 3 sisters. Ethel also leaves behind 11 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ethel spent many years at home raising her four children. Those early years included many family get-togethers with her siblings and their children. Family and home was very important to Ethel which was evident in the way she so meticulously kept it.
Ethel loved dancing and particularly with her husband Pat. They enjoyed square dancing with friends and it was not unusual to move the kitchen table and welcome a group of friends in to dance the night away. It would not have been unusual to see her dancing around by herself to the music she loved so much. She enjoyed reading throughout her life and also amazed her caregivers by reading everything she passed by in the hallways of her residence, including writing on anyone’s T-shirts or clothing. Another favorite activity included playing a card game of Euchre or simply a good game of Solitaire. Once the children had grown, Ethel and Pat were able to enjoy visits to Calgary and Vancouver with family or enjoy the occasional trip to Hawaii.
Ethel could be very spontaneous and loved nothing more than doing something at the last minute if she felt so inclined. Walking was her strength and she was known to outpace any one of us. She continued walking around the clock until she was 98 years old.
Ethel became somewhat of a sports fan and enjoyed watching football, particularly the Ottawa Rough Riders. Later on she became a big fan of baseball watching the Toronto Blue Jays.
Ethel used many “expressions” which we came to call “Ethelisms”. For example, “You may as well kill a guy as scare him to death”, or “Home James and don’t spare the horses”, or “I dinna can”.

Ethel, Mom, Nana, you will be dearly missed by all.

The family would also like to thank the caring staff of the Madonna Long Term Care Residence for the many years of loving care given to Ethel and for the support and kindness shown to the family at the time of her passing.

Friends and family are invited to visit Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (Main Building-Beechwood National Memorial Centre) for a casual reception and celebration of Ethel’s life on Thursday, November 3rd from 7-9 pm.

For those who wish, a memorial donation may be made to the Alzheimer Society or a charity of your choice.

Grandchildren:
Shaun O’Neil, Digger O’Neil, Patrick O’Neil
Cindy Crosby-Weninger, Jerred Crosby, Mandy Crosby-Pierson
Jordan O’Neil, Daniel O’Neil
Corey Wilson, Trevor Wilson, Eric Wilson

Great Grandchildren:
Brianna Weninger, Samantha Weninger, Kyle Weninger, Sierra Weninger
Nash Pierson, Kade Pierson, Avery Pierson, Liam Pierson
Wylie O’Neil
Cooper O’Neil