MELANIE “LANI” (LEE) O’NEAL

1943-2017

Melanie “Lani” Lee O’Neal died on June 7, 2017 in Baton Rouge, LA due to complications following ovarian cancer. She was 74.

Lani was born on April 10, 1943 in Wellsville, NY to her parents, Chet and June Lee. She was an active member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and attended Immaculate Conception Catholic School and Wellsville High School. She and her family moved to Corpus Christi, TX in 1958 where she attended W. B. Ray High School, graduating in 1961. After graduation, her family moved to Houston where she attended The University of Houston. She married Billie Don O’Neal in 1966. They moved to Midland, TX where Don worked for ExxonMobil, eventually returning to Houston. Among her jobs, Lani worked in a doctor’s office and for St. Luke’s Hospital, but her fondest memories were working as a flight attendant for Texas International Airlines. Later, she went on to earn her pilot’s license.

Lani was a dedicated and loving wife, daughter, sister and aunt. She was known to tirelessly serve others, making all who came in contact with her feel deeply loved and valued. For years, she was a committed volunteer for Family Outreach of NW Harris County. She was also a devoted animal lover who often took in cats who became members of the family.

Lani is survived by her twin sister, Melinda “Linda” Boudreaux; nephews, Scott Boudreaux (wife, Jenny), John Boudreaux (wife, Stephanie); niece, Kelly Horton (husband, Casey); and two step-sons, Barry O’Neal (wife, Linda, and their two children) and William O’Neal (wife, Susan, and their two children). Lani was also the proud “great aunt” to a dozen grand nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Chet and June Lee; husband, Billie Don O’Neal, and stepson, Mike O’Neal.

A private memorial service will be held in Baton Rouge, LA. For those wishing to make donations in her memory, please contribute to The Woman’s Hospital Foundation, Baton Rouge, LA.