O’Neil, Rita A. (Higgins) 88, of Weymouth, passed away at South Shore Hospital after a long illness on August 6. She was raised in Hingham and Norwell and graduated from Norwell High School. Wife of the late John Paul O’Neil she leaves 3 daughters Maureen Millett and her husband Bill of Stoughton, Patricia Norve of Weymouth, and Eleanor O’Neil of Weymouth. She also leaves 6 grandchildren, Sarah, Emily, Clare, Hugh, Terrence, and Diana. She had 5 great grandchildren, Emma, Sadie, Sean, Violet and Neely. Also survived by her dear sisters, Agnes Fredenburg of Abington and Evelyn Lawrence and her husband Richard of Hanover. She was sister of the late Robert Higgins and William Higgins. She also leaves behind her sisters-in-law, Judy Ripley of Norwell and Eileen Higgins of Wollaston. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Rita was born in Boston the daughter of William and Kathleen (McGuire) Higgins. Rita worked as a secretary for Tropical Radio, a division of United Fruit for many years in Hingham and later in Boston. She later retired as a secretary to the principal at South Junior High in Weymouth. Rita was a master of all types of needlework including knitting, making quilts, braided rugs and counted cross pictures. Her pieces adorned her home and she loved to give tours to all that enjoyed her beautiful work. Mrs. O'Neil loved to socialize and she enjoyed her involvement in various groups including the Cross Town Quilters, the Hingham Senior Center and her Wednesday knitting group with her dear friends. Donations in Rita’s memory may be made to The NephCure Foundation, 15 Waterloo Ave. Berwyn, MA 19312
The graveside services will be private.