LEICESTER: Dorothy M. (Gaffney) O'Neil, 81, of Main Street Cherry Valley died Wednesday, Sept. 16 in her home surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with cancer.
She leaves her husband of 64 years, James E. O'Neil, two daughters; Kathleen A. Corley and her husband Steven of Rochdale and Susan O. Lauder and her husband Thomas of Leicester, a brother Robert F. Gaffney and his wife Ruth of Auburn, three grandchildren; Amy Schrader and her husband Marc of Leicester, Marc Corley of Rhode Island and Katherine Lauder of Simsbury, CT, two great-granddaughters; Madelyn & Lily Schrader. She was pre-deceased by her grandson Andrew Lauder, a brother Henry Gaffney and a sister Barbara LaHair.
Mrs. O'Neil was born in Worcester, daughter of Henry and Waltrude (Johnson) Gaffney. She graduated from Worcester Girls Trade School. She was a member of St. Pius X Church. Dorothy worked at Millbrook Distributors, Worcester, for many years until she retired at which time she lovingly took care of her grandchildren.
Dot especially enjoyed spending summers with her family in Falmouth and traveling with them on trips to Florida and Western U.S. She and Jim loved exercising and socializing with her mall- walking friends. She will be remembered for her kind spirit, welcoming smile and strong character. She was fun loving, had endless energy and always created an atmosphere of acceptance. Her legacy is her family and her devotion to them.
Her family would like to thank the VNA/hospice nurses for their compassionate care.
The Funeral will be held Saturday, Sept. 19 in St. Pius X Church, 1153 Main Street, Leicester with a Mass at 8:00 AM. Family and friends are asked to go directly to church. Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Leicester. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Attention: Gift Processing, 1309 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA 02446 or to the VNA Care Hospice, 120 Thomas Street, Worcester, MA 01608. MORIN FUNERAL HOME, 1131 Main Street is directing funeral arrangements.