Sandra O’Neil Obituary
Mansfield, MA
Sandra, Sandi to all that knew her passed away peacefully on January 18th 2024 at the young age of 81.
Sandi was born in Omaha Nebraska on March 22nd 1942 to the late Colonel John Currer Barton & Helen Brockman Barton. She leaves behind her son Brian O’Neil, daughter Rebecca Mason, daughter in law Sheila Walberg O’Neil and grandchildren Merrik & Regan O’Neil, brother John Barton, sister-in-law Jonalie Barton, brother Craig Barton & sister-in-law Cathleen Truelove Barton. Sandi was married to her late husband Arthur D. O’Neil for 54 years, he passed away on July 14th 2023.
Sandi lived a full life, she excelled in school and was accepted to the University of Chicago at the age of 16. While visiting Boston she had her first Lobster… It was then that She became a New Englander. Before settling down Sandi and her friend Rita toured Europe in her ’68’ Saab Sonnet. The Sonnet was shipped back and became an integral part of our family for decades. Sandi met Arthur in a computer programming class while in college for nursing. Art knew Mom was the one and proposed to her on their third date! They were married on December 6th of 1969. Their two children Brian & Becky were born in the early 70’s. As the family grew, they moved from Attleboro to a bigger house in Mansfield on Central Street where they created many great memories with family & friends for over 43 years. In 2022 Sandi & Art moved into The Village at Willow Crossings in Mansfield and quickly established relationships and made new friends.
Sandi’s career began in nursing and then later became a Psychiatric Mental-Health Nurse Practitioner and opened a private practice with her friend Barbara. After many years in practice, they both decided to change careers and start a new business venture “Wallpaper Wizards”. They became very successful and sought after wallpaper hangers. Later in Sandi’s career she became a bookkeeper for Bristol Glass, eventually retiring.
For fun they loved to follow folk singers “The Shaw Brothers” with the whole family. They became very good Dart players at the many Pubs they visited. They also became good Pool players, winning many competitions. Sandi loved to play cards, Russian Bank (later renamed Ukrainian Bank by Mom) was her favorite. Sandi loved crossword puzzles and would do them daily, along with watching General Hospital. If you called the house between 2 & 3 PM while it was on you would quickly understand how much a fan she was! She also had a great love for her Christmas Village. It started small and at one point consumed the entire sun porch and then some. From houses, buildings, trains, and skaters to a handmade replica of their house on Central Street. Mom also had an antique Christmas tree, it was her prized Christmas possession that she had even before marriage.
In retirement Sandi & Art became avid golfers and travelers. They loved cruising and went on well over 20 cruises with family and friends over the years. From Canada to the Caribbean, they Loved to cruise. They would also drive to Michigan and then to South Carolina to visit their grandchildren on many occasions and Holidays.
Sandi was tough as nails, Loved her Scotch, but more importantly she Loved her Family and Friends!
In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider donating to The Mansfield Animal Shelter in Sandi’s name. They always had cats as we grew up and adopted cats from the shelter. Dad even did a fundraiser for the shelter with his golf buddies. www.mansfieldshelter.org
Sandi did not want a wake or funeral, she wanted a Party! Tentatively we are planning Sandi’s Celebration of Life for Spring of 2024. Time and location to be announced, please e-mail Brian O’Neil at [email protected] with your contact information and we will send the information when complete.
In Sandi’s memory, we invite you to celebrate her by sharing your favorite stories, photos, and moments with their family; please visit; www.shermanjackson.com