Elizabeth "Betty" O'Neill (née Kirkwood) - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

Elizabeth “Betty” O’Neill (née Kirkwood)

March 13, 1934 - May 11, 2019

         It is with a heavy heart we announce the sudden passing of our beloved mother, Elizabeth “Betty” O’Neill (née Kirkwood).  Betty passed peacefully in her sleep on May 11, 2019, at age 85.  Although surrounded by the love of her many children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, the loneliness of losing the love of her life just six months ago weighed heavily on her heart.  Betty and Charles O’Neill were married for over 65 years; together they lovingly raised six children and gifted the world with so many wonderful people.

          Betty was a generous, caring and devoted mother.  A loving caretaker for her mother, aunts and father, she was always a source of comfort and support to anyone in need.  Her tremendous pride in her family was clear to all who knew her; she demonstrated it daily with words and gestures.  A lifelong devout Catholic, and member of Holy Spirit Parish, she had a strong devotion to the Blessed Mother and spent much of her time praying her Rosary for family, friends, and all humans (whether alive, already passed, or not yet born).  Testaments to her kindness are the many people who claim her as their “second mother.”  She touched the lives of so many with simple acts such as a hug, a thoughtfully packed lunch, or a gentle hand offered during the times of sadness.  She extended hospitality to all that entered her home and considered everyone part of her family.  No one ever left her home hungry or without a special treat.

          Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Charles O’Neill; parents, Elizabeth (Hackett) Kirkwood Alexander and Paul Kirkwood; step-father, Samuel Alexander; siblings Paul, Olen and William Kirkwood; infant son, Robert O’Neill; grandson, Sam Montgomery; and great granddaughter, Kathryn Gallagher.  She is survived by her children, Mary Ann Montgomery (Bob), Barbara Gallagher (Tuck), Donna Quinn (Larry), Chuck O’Neill (Rose), Kathy O’Neill (Pete), Lisa Holliday (Jim) and Mary Ann Bauman; sisters-in-law, Elizabeth McCloskey and Betty Kirkwood; and many loving grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

          Our hearts are broken, but we are comforted in the knowledge that Mom and Dad are together again.

          We would like to offer special thanks to everyone at Holy Spirit Parish for their many acts of kindness; especially Deacon Patrick Johnston and his wife, Laurie, whose many visits were a constant source of comfort for Mom and Dad.

          A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11:30 am on Monday, May 20, 2019, at Holy Spirit R.C. Church, 12 Winder Road, New Castle, DE 19720, where a Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:30 am.  Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE.

          In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Betty’s memory to Holy Spirit R.C. Church, at the address listed above.

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12 Condolences for Elizabeth “Betty” O’Neill (née Kirkwood)

  • Miss O’Neill which I called you Mom O’Neal you will be missed so bad. You have been there for me and Denise and our kids. I can still remember the phone call after I delivered my twins and I was out there cutting the grass and you called and yelled at me and said get back in the house LOL we will always remember you and the sweetness that you showed everyone. there are so many things that you went taught me it’s endless. I love you and will missed you dearly give Dad Oneill a big hug for me. I love you and will never forget all the great memories since I was 2 years old. 😭😭😭❤🌹

  • May God comfort the beautiful family. Mrs. O’Neill lived her faith in showing care and kindness. The heavens rejoice upon her arrival. God bless.

  • We are sorry for the loss of your Mother. She always had a smile on her face. I was a co-worker of Donna’s. It is very sad that your Mom passed so soon after your Dad,

  • To the families of Elizabeth O’Neill, I send my love and prayers to you all. May God bring you his peace as well as his comfort at this difficult time.

  • Mom you are already so greatly missed. Please give Dad a big hug and kiss for us. The world will never be the same without you and Dad in it. You two were truly the greatest parents anyone could ever ask for. You are so dearly loved.

  • Our hearts thoughts and prayers go out to all of the O’Neill family. We were blessed to have known her and what a wonderful woman she was. Always a smile kind comforting she was one of GODS angels here on earth she will truly be missed but we know she’s in heaven and smiling down at us R.I.P. The Peck and Hamill Families 🙏🙏🙏🙏

  • To all who are left behind. May you always be as strong as your Mother , grand Mother and Great-Grand Mother. My prayers also are with you all. I don’t know who will remember me but I am Mrs. Ruth Knotts, Earl’s Cheryls’ and Carl Knotts Jr.s’ Mother from Cross ave but my husband & I live down in Townsend , De. 302-464-1205 if you ever wan to talk. Love you Girls and miss the birthday party I had for Earl, Kathy and Jeff Morgan. Call if you can and even more if you can come down I have a in-ground pool. You are welcome Please.

  • My mommom was the real life “Mrs. Claus”. She cared and loved us all with her whole heart. We are lucky our mother’s have inherited her good nature. She laid a great foundation for us but life will never be the same. She taught us many things but not how to live without her.

  • Its hard to understand Why God takes our Angles from us, But he has a plan! THEY left behind a Amazing Family who they loved very much! I never was in there house and not ask if I want anything, They were two of the nicest People God has put on this Earth, and anyone who met or meets\\ any of there family they can see they were raised by Wonderful people This World has lost 2 very out standing people in 6 mo, GOD Please be with this Family in there lose We send our Prays to you all!

  • I would like to send my deepest condolences to the Family.. My heart goes out to all of you. I lived across the street from the O’Neils for many years. Mrs. O’Neilleill was like a Mom, to many. May she rest in peace .As the years went on of course I married and move On. But the O’Neill’s . always left an impression on me. If their is anythingI can do ,,, please let me know .. God Bless , Always, Linda wolf (Brown)❤️💕🙏

  • Aunt Betty was a sweet dear soul. She always had a smile and a hug for anyone who entered her home. I spent many hours at her home when I was young. My Uncle and her always welcomed you. She will be missed.

  • Katie and family,
    Thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Margaret Leonetti