Florence M. (Johnson) O’Neill, age 91, of Franklin passed away peacefully at home on August 7th. She had just moved into the senior living complex at Magnolia Heights in Franklin. She was born in Providence, RI on July 24, 1931. Florence was the only child of James Johnson and Anna (Brady) Johnson of East Providence, RI.
Florence was the wife of the late William J. O’Neill for 43 years. Together they had 3 children, William (Billy) J. O’Neill, John Terence (Terry) O’Neill, and Katherine (Kathy) D. O’Neill. Bill and Florence moved to Franklin in 1969, and lived at 288 Country Way.
Before settling in Franklin, the family lived in Pawtucket, RI, Providence, RI, Cranston, RI, Seekonk, MA and Ridgefield, CT. After William passed away, Florence moved to Marshfield MA and had a long loving relationship with the late Robert J. Farley. After Bob died in 2015, she moved back to Franklin in 2017.
Prior to marriage, Florence worked as an executive assistant to the VP at Liberty Mutual Insurance in Providence RI. After her children were born, she became a full-time stay at home mom. Once her children were grown she went back to the workforce, and was the office manager for Dr. Smith DMD, at Franklin Dental.
Florence is survived by her son Terry, and her two grandchildren, Nicholas L. O’Neill of Norwood, MA and Marina D. O’Neill of South Boston, MA, a brother-in-law, Edward (Eddie) D. O’Neill and sister-in-law, Linda M. (O’Neill) Garceau and her husband Richard all of Las Vegas, NV. She is also survived by her precious cat, Pixie.
She valued her independence, and maintained her true “Irish character” until her passing. She loved cats, and always have one by her side for most of her life.
She enjoyed gardening, reading novels and biographies, watching MSNBC and TCM, having a glass of white wine, trips to Cape Cod, Newport, Maine, and any beach along the Rhode Island coastline, building puzzles with her close friends, and saving nickels for Pokeno games. When she moved back to Franklin, she lived at 15 Summer Street, and had the pleasure of being a short walk from her favorite restaurant, The Rome Restaurant.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a calling hour in the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Hone 33 Cottage St. Friday August 12th, from 5-6PM.
Her service and interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to MSPCA-Angell in Florence’s name. www.mspca.org.
www.franklinfuneral.com