Doris O'Neill's Obituary
Doris Pollak O’Neill
On Monday, February 12, 2018 Doris O’Neill, our beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away peacefully at the age of 94 years.
Doris was born in Edmonds, North Dakota in 1923 and graduated from Carrington High School, Class of 1941. After graduation, she moved to California to be with her sisters and worked as a “Rosie the Riveter” for Douglas Aircraft during WWII. In December 1944, she married James D. O’Neill and after 23 years traveling with the Army, they settled down in Lakewood, Washington. When Dad retired, Mom went to work for St. John Bosco Catholic Church. She cooked for the Priests in the Rectory and maintained the Sanctuary for 20 years. She said it was one of the happiest periods of her life.
Mom was adventurous and full of life (at the age of 83, she zip-lined in Alaska). Yet she valued the simple pleasures in life such as gardening, cooking, camping, traveling, sewing, walking, sports, and spending time with her children and their families.
She had an unlimited supply of love and caring and instilled great values in all 9 of her children. Her spirit lives on in each of us and her legacy will be her wonderful gift of family.
Mom will be lovingly remembered by her children, Jeff (Kathi), Dan (Elyce), Pat (Karen), Mary (Tom) Julich, Dave, Brenda (Steve) Swanson, Steve (LiNay), and Ken (Carrie) and daughter-in-law JoAnne. Doris will also be forever remembered by her many grandchildren. great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends. Doris was predeceased by her husband Jim and son Mike.
A Memorial Mass followed by a reception will be held in memory of Doris on Friday, March 16, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Bosco Catholic Church, 10508 112th St. SW, Lakewood, WA 98498 with Father Seamus Laverty presiding. A rosary will be offered at 10:30 a.m.
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