Passionate health care and social worker
Published October 15, 2020
NORTH READING — Nancy I. O’Neil (Vine), 74, of Brooksville, Fla., passed away on June 27, 2020, after battling a long illness.
Nancy was born Aug. 23, 1945, in Pawtucket, R.I., to Isabel M. (Kelleher) and Norman S. Vine. Nancy attended schools in Attleboro, graduating from high school in 1963.
Her true calling began in 1976 as she started her career in health care and social work at Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro.
In 1960, while working as a soda fountain jerk, she met her future husband, Dennis E. O’Neil, who was working at the Attleboro Post Office next door. Nancy and Dennis were married for 54 years. For most of their lives, they resided in the Attleboro area, and eventually moved to Brooksville, Fla., in 2001.
She had a passion for quilting, enjoyed camping, gardening (poppies were her favorite), projects around the house, and her beloved pets, Brighid and Buddy.
She enjoyed traveling to the water, whether the ocean or lakes. Nancy was always looking forward to the next adventure.
Nancy is survived by her husband, Dennis E. O’Neil of Brooksville, Fla.; her son Patrick E. O’Neil and his wife Andrea of Auburn, N.H.; and her daughter Kelly A. O’Neil-Ashness and her husband Stephen of North Reading.
Nancy was extremely proud of her three grandchildren, Kathryn O’Neil of Auburn, N.H.; Matthew Ashness of Tampa, Fla.; and Sean Ashness of North Reading, who will all miss her greatly. She is also survived by her siblings, Glenn Vine of Harwich; Judith Hennessey of Olympia, Wash.; William Vine of South Attleboro; and Elizabeth Dvorak of St. Mary’s Point, Minn. She also leaves behind her Uncle Edward Kelleher and his wife, Laura, of Cumberland, R.I.
Nancy had an outgoing personality and made friends easily. She will be sorely missed by her childhood friends Joan and Gene and many others, including close family friend Chelsea. Nancy leaves behind many long-lasting memories and, for those who knew her, an abundance of handmade quilts that will provide lifelong comfort and remembrance of her.
No services are scheduled at this time.
