O’NEILL--Margaret M. (Jump) O’Neill, 90 years old, died at D’Youville Senior Care Center in Lowell on Friday, February 4th. She was the daughter of the late Ernest A. and Mary Agnes Jump.
Born in Middleton Junction in Lancashire County, England, Mrs. O’Neill came to this country in 1923 at the age of 8. She graduated from the Immaculate Conception Grammar School and High School in Lowell. In 1936, she graduated from St. John’s Hospital School of Nursing in Lowell, and loved her work as a registered nurse for more than 40 years.
She was an Army nurse during World War II. In January, 1942, she sailed for the island of New Caledonia. She was stationed in the South Pacific for two and a half years. Upon returning to Massachusetts, she continued her work as a nurse in obstetrics at St. John’s Hospital, and later in geriatrics at the Beaconcrest Nursing Home in Lowell.
Mrs. O’Neill had always wanted to earn a Bachelor’s degree. After retiring at age 62, she enrolled at Rivier College in Nashua, NH. She completed her B.A. in Art in 1981 at the age of 66.
Known for her quiet kindness and gentle compassion, she was a wonderful mother and friend. “She had the beautiful gift of being able to empathize and understand—without having walked in a person’s shoes,” said one of her children. “She quietly took care of people who needed care. She was a woman of faith and compassion.”
Mrs. O’Neill was married to the late Cornelius B. O’Neill. She leaves four children and two grandchildren. Her children and their families include: Daniel and Anne-Marie O’Neill, of West Townsend; Mary A. O’Neill and Peter R. Ayer, Jr., of North Andover; Cornelia A. O’Neill, of Stony Creek, CT; and George and Patricia O’Neill, of Holbrook. Her grandchildren are Edward and Elizabeth O’Neill of Holbrook. She also leaves several nieces and nephews, caring and attentive neighbors, and a dear family friend, Andrea M. Burns, of Lowell.
She was the sister of the late Winifred McCarthy, Edward Jump, George Jump and Elizabeth O’Brien—all formerly of Lowell.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, February 6th, from 1 PM to 5 PM at the MAHONEY FUNERAL HOME, 187 Nesmith Street, (Rte. 38), Lowell. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, February 7th, at 11 AM at the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH, on East Merrimack Street in Lowell. Burial in St. Mary Cemetery, Tewksbury. Donations may be made in Mrs. O’Neill’s memory to House of Hope, 812 Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA 01854.