O’neil, Kathleen
Kathleen Joan O'neil (Breen) of Tolland, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, February 25, 2024. Born in Hartford on June 29, 1959, Kathy was the beloved daughter of the late James and Joan Breen (Waterhouse).
Kathy grew-up in Manchester, the middle child in a family of six kids. She could be quiet and a bit shy with strangers, but never with her family. She held her own at boisterous family dinners, excitedly sharing tales from school, and teasing and laughing with her siblings.
Kathy graduated from Manchester High in 1977. She enjoyed school, but especially loved her time at Highland Park Elementary on Porter St. Telling her kids whenever they'd drive past, that it was the best school in the world.
Kathy met her husband Dennis in 1979 and, after a brief, six-year, whirlwind courtship that included Friday nights at the Pumpernickel Pub, and camping trips with friends to Hunter Mountain German Alps Fest, they married in 1985. Later they moved to Tolland where they raised their three children, Tara, Kasey, and Scott. Kathy spent her career at The Hartford Insurance Company, where she set an example of hard work and dedication for her kids, rising from programmer to manager of the investments systems division. She helped design programs that moved money around the world, but it was her ability to fix any broken remote control and assemble children's toys without instructions that most impressed her family.
Her mother Joan taught Kathy to knit at an early age. She made many wonderful things over the years that have now been handed down to her grandkids. But a running joke in the family was how many projects Kathy started but didn't finish. The hall closet became stuffed with so many abandoned projects and surplus craft supplies that her kids referred to it as the Tolland branch of Joann's Fabrics.
An eternally optimistic golfer, Kathy was a long-time member of the women's league at Twin Hills. She was also an avid runner and never missed participating in the Manchester Thanksgiving Road Race, the highlight of the year for her. Kathy enjoyed reading, loved a nice cup of tea, and spending time with her dogs Fenway and the slightly wacky Basil. She relished warm summer days with her family on the beach in Watch Hill and Kiawah Island, South Carolina. And she particularly loved spending time with her wonderful grandkids, Chance and Rose. She was very proud of them and they never failed to bring her joy and happiness.
Kathy is survived by her devoted husband of thirtynine years, Dennis O'neil, her children Tara O'neil (Matt Powers) of Tolland, Kasey O'neil (Kevin Ferreira) of Sullivan Island, and Scott O'neil of Milford. Her grandchildren, Chance and Rose, and her sisters Joann Emerson, Marjorie Breen, Patricia Breen, and Colleen Mcdonough, as well as many loved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Kathy was predeceased by her brother Richard. Dennis and Kathy's entire family want to give a heartfelt thank you to Luz Ferrara who helped care for Kathy in such a kind and loving way.
Relatives and friends are invited to the John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 West Center St. in Manchester for calling hours on Friday, March 8th, 2024, from 4-7. A Memorial Mass will take place at St. Matthew Church in Tolland on March 9, 2024, at 10am. The burial will be held privately and at the convenience of the family. In place of flowers, the family invites you to consider a donation to The Manchester Road Race in loving memory of Kathleen. For online condolences, please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.