Dorothy Viola O'Neill

Dorothy passed from this life on October 20, 2020. Dorothy was born on her parent's farm at a time in history where the physician had to be driven 18 miles by horseback and sleigh due to a snowstorm, in order to deliver Dorothy. They also experienced periodic dust storms and the only water supply was from the outside well.

Economic times were challenging for the farming community, but Dorothy was able to complete her first eight grades, where all students were included in a one room school building, then moved on to graduate from Ipswich High.

Dorothy met Jim O'Neill, her future husband, while they were attending Ipswich High. Jim and Dorothy were married in 1937, and this was followed by their first adventure, a move to Portland. Jim O'Neill established a career with Standard Oil/Chevron, while Dorothy began her retail sales career with Meir & Frank (later Macy's) followed by several years with Sears & Roebuck assisting customers in both the infants and boys departments. Both Jim and Dorothy enjoyed time with their three sons and sharing in their school activities.

Retirement gave Jim and Dorothy the opportunity to travel including several trips to NYC, and Delaware to share time with Jim Jr., his wife and two sons. Of course there were a few trips back to their roots in South Dakota, to visit friends and family. Jim and Dorothy were able to join Jim Jr. and his wife Jackie on a venture to England and Ireland. This was also a time that Jim and Dorothy enjoyed several years of square dancing events and club functions.

Dorothy commented on numerous occasions how she enjoyed a life span starting with the old ring phone, then advancing to a cell phone and the computer. Dorothy was also thankful for the orthopedic advancements since she received the benefit of bilateral arthroplasty.

Dorothy was fortunate enough to have been able to spend her last four years as a resident of the Golden Age Family Home where she was receiving loving care,  and able to view her Blazer Games.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband Jim, her sister Betty Grote, and survived by her sons: Jim (Jackie) Dale, Eugene (Sandra) and grandsons, Jay, Jonathon, Robbie, granddaughters Rhea and Alisa, and eight great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please enjoy a a meal or glass of your favorite beverage and a toast to Dorothy.

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