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Mary Anne Sterck O'Neil

Mary Anne Sterck O'Neil obituary, Metairie, La

Mary O'Neil Obituary

Mary Anne Sterck O'Neil, age 67, entered eternal life on December 7, 2012. The loved and loving wife of 45 years of William E. O'Neil, she is also survived by her dear children W. Sean O'Neil (Jennifer) and Christian G. O'Neil (Courtney), and six grandchildren: Nathan, Max, Ian, Callie, Rivers and Christian O'Neil. She is also survived by siblings Clement J. Sterck (Donna), Clare S. Schelhammer (Glen) and Gregory L. Sterck (Betsy). She was pre-deceased by her infant son Christopher S. O'Neil and by her parents, Frank C. Sterck and Alice M. Sterck. Mary Anne was born September 8, 1945 and raised in Southern Connecticut. She then moved with her family to Miami, Florida and graduated from Immaculata Academy. She attended Loyola University of New Orleans and earned a Bachelor's degree in Education and graduated with honors. At Loyola she was a member of Theta Phi Alpha, the Homecoming Court, "Little Colonel" of the Pershing Rifles and won the Outstanding Co-ed Award. Education became a passion in her life and she taught at the Academy of Sacred Heart and later became the first female Chairman of the Board of Trustees of St. Martin's Episcopal School in Metairie. She also was a member of the Board of Visitors of St. Martin's Episcopal School, serving from 1991 until the present. Her reputation and service in education resulted in her appointment to Loyola University's President's Council and she served as Chairman of the Arts Visiting Committee. Mary Anne also earned an Associate of Arts degree in Interior Design from Delgado Community College and owned and operated Mary Anne O'Neil Interiors, Inc. Her work was featured and recognized in numerous local publications. She was a very talented artist and loved spending time at her Mid-City Studio venue, where she painted with her co-artists and close friends. There are many patrons who will enjoy her artistic gifts for generations to come. The mixture of Mary Anne's profound courage, religious faith, positive attitude and contagious smile carried her through three years of rigorous chemotherapy as she battled ovarian cancer. During this time she continued to pursue all of her passions actively. She will be deeply missed by all of her loved ones. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a Funeral Mass at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church at 4640 Canal Street in New Orleans on Tuesday, December 11, 2012, at 3:00 p.m. Visitation will begin at 1:30 p.m. until Mass begins. A private interment for family members will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials in memory of Mary Anne Sterck O'Neil may be made to St. Martin's Episcopal School, 225 Green Acres Road, Metairie, Louisiana 70003-2484. To sign and view the Family Guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.

Published by The Advocate from Dec. 8 to Dec. 11, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
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Again, our condolences to the family on Mary Ann's passing. She was always so cheerful and welcoming that she was a person you could never forget. Her hard work for the good of St. Martin's is to be commended. The school is all the better for it. Rest in peace Mary Ann.

Diane and Perry Tillman (Chad Cooper)

December 29, 2012

To The O'Neil Family,

Just learned of Mary Anne's psssing I wish to express my warm condolences. She has left wonderful memories to share. Mary Anne's smile always made one feel special.

Diane Rosenbach

December 12, 2012

To O'Neil Family I am with A-Maison De Fleur we had a order placed by the Bisso Family for flowers.We misunderstood the name on the phone and we but biffo family.Just wanted to correct the name and tell you sorry for the misspelling. Thank you and sorry for your lose of Mary

A-Maison

December 12, 2012

Sean,

Please accept my sincerest condolences on the passing of your dear mother. I recall meeting her so many times and she was just a bright light each and every time. I loved taking the kids to her art shows and let them have the run of the place while we visited. You and your family are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.

Leeq Chawla

December 12, 2012

I enjoyed our conversations at the dry cleaners. She always had such a positive attitude and afterwards my day would just be better. I will miss Mrs. Mary very much. There's not enough people in the world like her.

Louis Rossignol

December 11, 2012

My prayers are with you, Mary Ann, and with your family. I will always remember your charm and grace. I am sure you will have many dance partners in heaven...

Umpy Brown

December 10, 2012

I have enjoyed Mary Anne's company as a friend and as a fellow artist, always so enthusiastic and positive. She was diagnosed a month before I was diagnosed with breast cancer.She put up one heck of a fight.......she just got to go home sooner. My prayers go out to her family.

Myra Menville

December 10, 2012

I'm so sorry for your loss. She was a Jewel.

Butch Guest

December 10, 2012

Mary Anne was a beautiful wonderful person to be around. I will surely miss my next door neighbor.

- Caroline Bartolotta

December 9, 2012

Mary Anne was simply the most exquisite person - her kindness, generosity, intelligence, sense of humor, great taste and style, and true beauty inside and out was rare indeed. We were so blessed to be graced by her friendship. We will love you always, dear friend. Nancy and Jim McElwee

Nancy and Jim McElwee

December 9, 2012

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Charli Guest

December 9, 2012

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