Julie Anne O’Neill, 87, a lifelong resident of Medford, MA, passed away
peacefully on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, surrounded by family in the care of
hospice. Julie was the youngest of four children born in Boston on
February 1, 1937, to the late Katherine (Hurley) and John T. O’Neill. She is
preceded in death by her three elder siblings, John T. O’Neill, James D.
O’Neill, and Robert C. O’Neill, and her sister-in-law Ruth Ann O’Neill.
She is survived by her daughter Nancy Steers, son-in-law William Steers,
and granddaughters Catherine and Grace, of Rye, NY. She is also survived
by her sisters-in-law, Katherine O’Neill of Lexington, MA, and Jean O’Neill
of Winchester, MA, her beloved nieces and nephews, and treasured life-
long friends, including Ann Graffeo of Medford, MA.
Growing up in Medford, Julie attended The Academy of Our Lady of
Nazareth in Wakefield, MA. She was a proud member of the class of 1960
at Boston College, formerly Newton College of the Sacred Heart, where she
majored in education. A strong advocate for the life-changing power of
education, Julie was an elementary school teacher in the Medford Public
Schools system for over 40 years. She was passionate about children’s
literacy and taught multiple generations of Medford residents as a reading
specialist, working tirelessly to instill a mastery of language and a love for
reading.
Retiring in 2002, she was awarded the Key to the City by then-Mayor
Michael McGlynn for her outstanding dedication and service. Her
longtime colleagues recounted her as a devoted and highly skilled educator
who exemplified excellence, genuine character, and high integrity
throughout her career.
Following retirement, Julie continued her lifelong service to others through
numerous civic, religious, and charitable organizations including Bread of
Life, the Thursday Fortnightly Club of Medford, and the annual Jingle Bell
Festival. A devout Catholic, Julie was a lifelong parishioner of St.
Raphael’s Parish where she participated in daily mass, volunteered on
various councils, and was a trusted and vital member of her church
community.
Always curious with an adventurous spirit, Julie skied from Stowe to the
French Alps in her youth, traveled from Maine to Florida visiting countless
friends and family, and joined book clubs and travel tours in her later
years. She also enjoyed the theatre, cooking, and gardening, and was an
ardent supporter of the local Tufts University women’s athletics. She was
most content on the porch of her cherished home in Medford, overlooking
her beautiful gardens with a book in hand.
A celebration of life will be held at St. Raphael’s Parish, 512 High Street, in
Medford, MA on Friday, June 28th at 11:00 am. The interment will be
private.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Julie’s memory to Bread of
Life in Malden, MA, or Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA in
support of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine.