CUMBERLAND — Sister Marie O’Neill, 93, a Sister of Mercy, formerly known as Sister Mary Theodora, died December 1, 2016 at Mount St. Rita Health Centre in Cumberland.
Born in Providence, Sister O’Neill was the daughter of the late James and Mary (Gray) O’Neill; sister of the late Margaret (O’Neill) Cahill, Ann O’Neill and Helen (O’Neill) Dillon, and of brothers, Joseph, James, Charles, Daniel and Edward. She is survived by 16 nieces and nephews, 38 grand nieces and nephews, 28 great grand nieces and nephews, and 6 great great grand nieces and nephews.
Sister O’Neill graduated from St. Xavier Academy in 1941. She pursued graduate studies in education at Catholic Teacher’s College and at Salve Regina University. She taught at several elementary schools in Rhode Island. Naturally gifted in culinary arts, Sister Marie managed food services at the Sisters of Mercy Generalate in Bethesda, Md. and at other community residences in the 1960s. Most recently, Sister celebrated her 75th Anniversary as a Sister of Mercy.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Monday, Dec. 5, 2016 at St. John Vianney Church, Cumberland. With interment in Resurrection Cemetery, Cumberland.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Sister’s memory to the Sisters of Mercy, 15 Highland View Road, Cumberland, R.I. 02864, will be appreciated.
