Maureen O'Neill Obituary (1948 - 2025)

Maureen O’Neill of Seattle, passed away on Monday, February 3rd at the age of 76 after a brief illness. The eldest of Robert and Barbara O’Neill’s four children, Maureen was born on November 11, 1948 at Providence Hospital in Seattle. She’s preceded in death by her parents, her brother Patrick and her sister, Michaela Anderson. Maureen was a beloved aunt to her eight nieces and nephews. She is survived by Gavin, Matt, Rob, Kyla, Molly, Zach, Devon and Will along with 14 great-nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her brother, Gerard. Maureen grew up on Capitol Hill, attended St. Joseph’s and graduated from Holy Names Academy in 1966. She earned her bachelor’s in sociology from Washington State University and her master’s in college administration from Bowling Green State University. After completing her postgraduate work, Maureen’s career took her to SUNY Geneseo in upstate New York where she eventually became the director of activities. In the summer of 1976, Maureen packed up a U-Haul and her MG Midget to move to Manhattan’s Upper West Side after being hired by Kazuko Hillyer International. There, her work included the organization and production of shows and concerts in New York City and beyond. Maureen returned to Seattle after becoming manager of the University of Washington’s Office of Lectures and Concerts. In January 1981, she was hired by Seattle Parks & Recreation as performing and visual arts manager. After working in that familiar role for almost two years, she would soon find herself in uncharted territory—recreation. Becoming a recreation manager, originally in the southeast part of the city, is where Maureen found her life’s work. She led and mentored people and managed projects. Maureen managed the development or renovation of countless facilities and spaces, including being on the design team for eight community centers. Her work on the building and development of the Northgate Community Center was something she was especially fond of. She was integral in the creation of lasting programming such as teen Late Night, community center childcare, outdoor concert events and partnerships with arts organizations. She was known for working late, caring for those she worked with no matter who they were and for having her own way of organizing. Her career spanned over 31 years, touching practically every aspect of the parks department, with her influence eventually stretching to nearly every corner of Seattle. Maureen was deeply involved with Northwest Folklife for several years, volunteering as well as serving on the board of directors, including three terms as its president. She also did advisory work for the National Endowment for the Arts. She supported countless arts programs, theaters and museums. For several years, Maureen sang as cantor or in the choir at Sacred Heart and Our Lady of Guadalupe. She enjoyed performing at various sporting events and spent many holiday evenings singing on the region’s Christmas ships. An avid cook, Maureen loved to prepare dishes for family and friends. She enjoyed cooking education, accumulating recipes and at one point had a collection of over 1,600 cookbooks. Her cooking talents, parties and entertaining were well-known with one of her favorite traditions being host to a Twelfth Night party for many years. Maureen enjoyed friendships with a multitude of people. She regularly kept in touch with past colleagues and friends from all over the country, including college and even childhood friends. Maureen maintained relationships with her friends from nearly every chapter of her life. It’s an understatement to say Maureen was a very proud and supportive aunt. She was always taking her nieces and nephews to concerts, festivals or performances. This included taking them to numerous city functions and community events. Maureen loved her family. She was always one to give you a gift, send you a card, ensure you were included or make sure you felt loved. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Holy Names Academy and Northwest Folklife. A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe, 7100 35th AVE SW, Seattle on Saturday, March 1st at 11 a.m. Link to a Livestream at the church: olgseattle.org/livestreaming-at-olg