Obituary of Molly Kathleen O'NEIL (nee Carroll)

August 1, 1930 – London, England

May 13, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

We are saddened to announce that our beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend Molly O’Neil passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at the age of 89 years.

Molly Kathleen O’Neil (née Carroll) was born on August 1, 1930 in London, England. Her parents were Terrence and Phyllis Carroll. 

As a girl, Mom was interested in science and it was a natural choice for her to want to be a nurse. She entered nurses' training at Charing Cross Hospital in London. After her training she worked in England for a period of time until Molly, and her lifelong friend Cynthia, heard about other countries needing nurses. Australia topped the list, but it turned out there wasn’t a high demand at that time. Following further research, they accepted a one-year contract in the village of Gainsborough, Saskatchewan.

Mom arrived in Gainsborough in 1954 where she met Ronald O’Neil and they were married in 1956. They lived in Saskatoon while Dad completed his law studies, and their son Sean was born later that year. Mom continued nursing until she and Dad left Estevan to move to Calgary. She loved being a nurse and while she never returned to it, she continued a lifelong passion for the work. In 1960, Mom and Dad moved to Calgary where their daughter Kathleen was born.

Mom believed in learning for its own sake and she made time to read and learn. She would drink her tea and read the newspapers and as such stayed on top of current affairs. As a girl she loved to read, a passion she had all her life and one that she shared with her kids and grandkids. She would happily read to her granddaughter and eventually she had a great-grandson to indulge. Mom and Dad traveled extensively as Mom had a love of history that translated into wanting to see the many fascinating parts of the world she had read about. Whether it was on the other side of the world or on a shorter journey nearer to home, travel refreshed her.

For roughly forty years Mom was a dedicated docent at the Calgary Glenbow Museum and this was another way for her to learn and talk about history. She was very energetic and she loved taking long walks.

Mom had wonderful manners and she could put anyone at ease. She was an amazing listener and many conversations were had over a cup of tea. Mom impacted the lives of many and created unforgettable relationships until the very end. In her last few days, she told the family she was packing a bag and going home. We will never forget her glowing smile and that we should always take time out of our day for tea and books (and possibly chocolate).

Mom is survived by her loving husband of sixty-four years, Ron, her son Sean (Lynn), her daughter Kathleen (Ken); her grandkids, Ariel, David (Soyee), Justin (Ashley), and great-grandson Jacob.

A private family celebration will be held at a later date. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Calgary Zoo at www.calgaryzoo.com, or the Calgary Humane Society at www.calgaryhumane.ca/donate/. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Molly’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

Our thanks go to the staff at the Rockyview General Hospital for their compassion and care as Molly slipped away on her journey home. We would also like to thank Jimema, Sally and Levi for their excellent care.

In living memory of Molly O’Neil, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.