Helen Constance O'Neill

Helen Constance O’Neill, known to all as “Connie”, passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 17, 2020. She was 88 years old. She leaves behind her grieving family: Bob O’Neill, her husband of 67 years, daughter Karen O’Neill, daughter Kathleen O’Neill Robinson and her husband Kip Robinson; beloved grandchildren, Christopher Grosjean and his wife Lily Noble-Grosjean, Tim Robinson, Julie Robinson Haecker and her husband Eric Haecker; her brother, Jack Ryder, and former son-in-law John Grosjean; nieces and nephews: Kellie O’Neill-Hillanbrand, Michael O’Neill, Elizabeth Ryder Schmidt, John Ryder and Noel Ryder, as well as a large tribe of friends and family across the country. Connie and Bob married in 1953 in Boonton, New Jersey, where Connie grew up. They moved often in those early years including Michigan, New Jersey, Long Island, New York, and finally Delmar, New York in 1967, where they lived until recently. Connie was a registered nurse and loved her work. Even after retirement, she volunteered to help AIDS, Alzheimer’s, and disabled patients in their homes. She was a consummate community volunteer in the local schools, Girl Scouts, Progress Club, and St. Thomas Catholic Church. Energetic, positive, and very social – she was loved by so many. Ocean Grove, NJ, was Connie’s favorite place. She spent every summer of her childhood there and loved the ocean and the boardwalk. It was there, when Connie was 16, where she met Bob and fell in love. Their first date was on the merry-go-round – which became the lovely and laughing symbol of their long and happy marriage. Connie loved the ocean (but not swimming!) flowers (but not gardening!), dancing, ballet, music, and reading. She remained curious and interested in learning all her life. She will be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Doctors Without Borders in her memory at www.doctorswithoutborders.org. Due to the current circumstances, services will be private at a later date.