June (Poluzzi) O’Neill died peacefully with her beloved daughters by her side on August 19th, 2021.
June was the daughter of the late Adus Poluzzi and Jane Crowe (Poluzzi). She leaves behind her daughters Allison O’Neill and Meghan O’Neill, their father Edward O’Neill, her brother Robert Poluzzi and his wife Ellen, her sister Elizabeth Cabrera, her Golden Retriever, Casey and an extended family and wide circle of dear friends whom she cherished.
June was born and raised in Wellelsey, MA. She was a graduate of Wellesley High School and C.W. Post College in New York. She received her Master’s in Education at Lesley University.
June always knew she wanted to be a teacher. At 10, she began by teaching neighborhood children in a makeshift classroom in the basement of her parents’ home. June’s 39 years of dedicated teaching in the Brimfield, Wellesley, Reading and Sherborn Public Schools, as well as her experiences at the American International School in Beirut, have profoundly influenced the lives of countless Kindergarten and First Grade students and their families. In June’s own words, “I’ve been drawn by a sense that I could make a difference in a child’s life and that engaging in such meaningful work would be cause for great personal fulfillment.” It is tribute to her life that she nurtured thousands of children both emotionally and academically.
In retirement, June enjoyed international travel, adventures with Casey, painting, and working with her second family at Tilly and Salvy’s Bacon St. Farm. In her spare time, she could always be found with a book in her hand.
June was a very special woman, referred to by many as, “one in a million.” Known for her warm smile and generous heart, she touched the lives of everyone she met. Friends speak of her as a “second mother,” and a “true confidant.” She leaves a void that will never be filled, but her spirit will live on with us forever.
June’s last request was to be “tucked in” with her father at Woodlawn Cemetery in Wellesley. A memorial service will be held at the cemetery on Friday, August 27th, 2021 at 1pm. Friends are welcome to attend. Masks are encouraged.
To honor June's memory, donations can be made to Dr. Ted Hong and his team at MGH by visiting the Pancreatic Cancer Treatment Program Click Here to support gastrointestinal cancer research.