Obituary of Geraldine Grace O'Neill

Gerri O’Neill passed away September 13, 2017.  In June, 2015, with declining health, Gerri became a resident of Superior Residences of Clermont, FL.  After metastasis of melanoma cancer, Gerri passed from this life into the loving arms of God the Father, through His Son, Jesus Christ.  Our family is grateful to every staff member of Superior and Cornerstone Hospice for the loving care and friendship she received.  The wonderful people we have met during these past two years have become true friends and extended family.  The shared smiles, compassion and empathy we received are treasured gifts.  You are all loved and will remain within our hearts.  God bless you.
 
Geraldine Grace (Lange) O’Neill was born in Sterling, Illinois on September 2, 1923 to Henry Leroy and Marian Lois (Koch) Lange.  She was oldest of two daughters.  Marjorie Maxine (Lange) Pagano is her younger sister.  After graduating from Sterling Township High School in 1941, Gerri went to work at the local bank.  In 1943, she moved to Salinas, CA, lived with her widowed Aunt Lena (Lange) Spohn and worked at the Salinas Bank of America.  Quickly, Gerri was promoted and worked with the bank officers on the platform and accompanied the bank auditor to surrounding banks.

Gerri was temporarily transferred to the Hollister branch of Bank of America.  This is where she met her future husband.  On May 3, 1947, Gerri married Winton Eugene “Gene” O’Neill in the Carmel Mission, CA.  They raised 3 daughters, Ellen, Gwynn, and Joyce.  Gerri was a talented seamstress and made the girls' dresses.  She was an assistant Brownie leader.  We three girls went to Sacred Heart School and in the month of May, Mom designed the most beautiful crowns for the Blessed Mother made of pink baby roses.  We kids were so proud.  She loved to decorate and found joy in the little things in life.

In 1959, after her girls started school, Gerri went to work at Hollister High School, Agricultural Department.  She was secretary to teacher, Mr. Gordon Tibbs until 1983.  She instructed the FFA boys in keeping a checking account, rules of etiquette and manners, and even filled in as substitute teacher when Mr. Tibbs was out of the classroom. She attended the county fairs, recorded the award placements of Future Farmers of America (FFA) and the sale of their steers, sheep and hogs.  She was presented with plaques and certificates in "appreciation for encouragement, cooperation, and assistance given the Future Farmers of America in helping them accomplish outstanding achievements in farming, leadership, citizenship and community welfare."  She was awarded "Honorary Hollister Chapter Farmer" and "Monterey District Farmer."

In 1983, Gerri transferred to the secretarial pool at the High School.  She and Cindy Silva enjoyed working together, interacting with the teachers, and always kept the candy jar full.  Gerri was the first classified employee to be voted tops by her peers and subsequently awarded a “Certificate of Achievement, San Benito High Chapter 173 Classified Information - Presented for exemplary effort in the California School Employees Association statewide newsletter competition for 1980-81,” signed by the State President of CSEA.   In 1986, Gerri retired after 27 years of employment at San Benito High School.

Gerri was an active member of Sacred Heart Church Young Ladies Institute.  She was elected President and always on the Decoration Committee with her friend Frances Guiza.  As a member of Sacred Heart Church Altar Society, she meticulously ironed the altar linens and arranged the flowers on the altar.  She was also a volunteer for Loaves and Fishes with friend Carmen Miguel.

After her husband, Gene, became ill, Gerri moved to Clermont, FL to live with daughter Ellen and Terry Keplar for 8 years. 

Gerri's husband, Winton "Gene" O'Neill, of 65 years preceded her in death, Sep 22, 2012.  She is survived by her oldest daughter, Ellen (spouse Terry Keplar) in Clermont, FL.  Daughters Gwynn Renfrow (husband Tim) and Joyce Davidson (husband Claude) live in Hollister.  Her younger sister Marjorie Pagano and her 3 children Susan (husband Scott McDonald), Thomas and Peter Alex. Gerri is also aunt to Larry Gardner (passed away 2015) (wife Eva) their daughters Elaine Gardner (husband Steve) and Irene Gardner (Nick) all of San Francisco, CA.  She is Grandma to Ashlee Hartigan (husband John), Shanda Renfrow (Eddie Turner), Brian Davidson, Audrey Davidson, Scott Hritz (wife Jennifer).  Great grandma to Shiloh Davidson, Mason Turner, Elijah Prytherch, Nolan Hritz.  Great nephews and great nieces include Jack Lavagnino (wife Melissa) their children Megan, Andrew, Jennifer; Matthew Lavagnino (wife Clarissa) son Matteo; Tom’s daughters, Amy and Beth Pagano.

Resurrection Mass for Gerri O’Neill will be celebrated at Calvary Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum, September 25, at 1:00pm with the burial to immediately follow.

Contributions are preferred to Fishes and Loaves, Young Ladies Institute or a Mass celebrated in Gerri’s memory c/o the mortuary.