Joan M O'Neill

LEICESTER: It is with great sadness to announce the passing of a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother (Gigi) and friend to all. Joan M. (Hayes) O'Neill, 92, of Leicester, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, March 26th, in the comfort of her home.

Born in Worcester to John and Margaret (Bowes) Hayes. She grew up in Worcester with her sisters, Pauline Casey and Virginia Quinn, who predeceased her.  She later graduated from St. Peter's High School in Worcester and worked briefly at Worcester Public Library. While raising her family, she worked part time at Becker Junior College Library. She later went on to work for the Town of Leicester in the Assessors Office, until her retirement in 1998.

Joan had a green thumb and would spend hours in her gardens. She was also an exceptional bowler and enjoyed arts and crafts. Joan loved to travel and loved the beach. She was a passionate New England sports fan, but she loved nothing more than attending her grandchildren's high school sports games as their biggest fan. She loved attending shows at the Hanover Theater with her friends and daughters.

Joan's biggest joy in life was her family. She was married to John J. O'Neill, Sr. who predeceased her in 2015. Together they raised three children on Mayflower Road in Leicester. She leaves her son; John J. O'Neill, Jr. and his wife Whitney of Nashville, TN, her daughters; Sheila M. Champagne and her husband Robert, and Sharon M. O'Neill all of Leicester, 5 grandchildren, Emily (Mark) Beaudry, Matthew (Kristie) Champagne, Joanna (Michael) Ahern, Yvette O'Neill, Nasir Morales O'Neill, Emerlinda Morales O'Neill and 8 great grandchildren who she took great pleasure in spoiling, as well as nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held privately at a later date. The MORIN FUNERAL HOME, 1131 Main St., Leicester is directing arrangements for the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Care Central VNA Donate - Care Central VNA & Hospice (carecentralvnahospice.org)