Mary O'Neill

April 28, 1934 — June 23, 2026

Mary C. O’Neill of Leesburg, Florida (formerly of Newburgh and the Bronx) passed away peacefully in Leesburg, Florida. She was 92.

Mary was born in Carrickrovaddy, Co, Down, N. Ireland, the eldest of 7 to Thomas and Mary McKinley. At the age of 20, Mom immigrated to the United States and lived with her Uncle and Aunt in the Bronx. She worked as a domestic, working for a family in Manhattan. In 1955, she met our Dad at an Irish dance in the Bronx as was the

custom in those days. They were married on October 13th,1956 in Manhattan at St Vincent Ferrer Church. They began their family in the Bronx, while Mom stayed at home as a homemaker. In 1966, they moved to Newburgh, buying their 1st home. Mom learned how to drive, got a job after we were in school full time and became involved in St Patrick’s Parish and Meadow Hill activities. In 1996, Mom and Dad made the decision to retire to Leesburg, Florida. Dad always wanted to live in a warm climate and Mom quickly adjusted. They made many friends, getting involved in their new parish community at St Paul’s. They continued to travel to Ireland, England and celebrated their 50th anniversary in Las Vegas.

While our Dad left us 14 years ago, Mom carried on in her strong, resilient manner, staying independent. She made trips to Newburgh ,Pennsylvania, and 2 years ago had a great trip to Key West to celebrate her grandson Jonathan’s wedding. She took her daily walk, went to mass, visited her neighbors, especially her dearest and best friend, Northilt Handwerck and each evening had her nightly date with David Muir (ABC) and Alex Trebek ( and now Ken Jennings of Jeopardy!).

We will miss her always and take comfort that God has called her to a well deserved rest in his heavenly kingdom. Survivors include her daughters, Theresa Kavanagh and her husband Patrick, Margaret Gaydos and her husband Michael and AnnMarie Schupper and her husband Robert. Six grandchildren, Patrick M and his wife Desiree, Matthew and his wife Meaghan, Colin and his wife JuliAnn, Jonathan and his wife Jenna, Erin and her husband Ian, and Michael. 7 great-grandchildren, Camryn, Brennan, Josie, Braeden, Luke, Lily and Ella. She also leaves behind 2 sisters in Ireland, Philomena and Angela and numerous nieces and nephews in NY, Ireland and England.

The family would like to thank the Staff at UF Health Leesburg Hospital, Encompass Rehabilitation, HearthStone Assisted Living Leesburg and Vitas Hospice. Their care and love for Mom will never be forgotten.

Donations in Mary’s memory can be made to St Paul’s Catholic Church Food Pantry 1330 Sunshine Ave, Leesburg, Florida, 34748 or Vitas Hospice,6309 Old Highway 441, Suites 105 & 300, Mount Dora, Florida 32757.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 1st from 4:00pm-7:00pm at Brooks Funeral Home located at 481 Gidney Avenue, Newburgh, NY.

A Mass of the Christian burial will be held at St. Patrick’s Church at 10:30am on Thursday, July 2nd located at 55 Grand Street, Newburgh, NY.

A burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery located at 304 Walsh Ave, New Windsor, NY.