“https://www.lemleychapel.com/wp-content/uploads/ONeil-Nina-2-150×150.jpg” alt=”oneil-nina-2″ width=”150″ height=”150″ class=”alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-12060″ />Nina (Cornelia Marshall Peabody) O’Neil, 89, of Everett, Washington, passed away on Thursday, September 29, 2016 in the comfort of her home. Nina was born August 11, 1927 to Folger and Eunice (Ford) Peabody in Seattle, Washington.
Nina attended Forest Ridge Academy in Seattle, San Francisco College for Women (Lone Mountain), Seattle University and Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School in New York.
Nina grew up in Seattle on Capitol Hill with her sisters, Patty (husband, Elliott Roosevelt) and Lee (husband, Dr. Matthew Evoy.) Her grandfather, Charles Peabody co-founded the Alaska Steamship Company in 1894 and later founded the Puget Sound Navigation Company, dba Black Ball Line, run by her Uncle, Alexander Peabody. Nina grew up riding the Black Ball ferries and was on the maiden voyage of the Kalakala in 1935. After World War II, Nina joined the USO (United Service Organizations Inc.), a non-profit group that entertained soldiers during the war. Nina put on shows and coordinated dances at Fort Lewis and went to Berlin, Germany with her friend, Doty Dennis. When she returned to Seattle, Nina worked for the World Affairs Council.
Nina married Bill (William Edward) O’Neil on July 10, 1954 at St. Joseph’s Church in Seattle. Nina’s life was devoted to her Catholic faith, family and others.
Nina was proud of her chosen vocation as a mother and wife. Her seven children and husband, Bill were her life’s work.
Nina’s interests included (but not limited to): her “History” book club with her best women friends (an avid reader, Nina never did watch T.V., although she did sign on to MSN WebTV as her first email program), horseback riding (owning Jessie James, a retired American Saddlebred show champion), swimming at Hermosa Beach and travelling – especially to Ireland.
Mom ran for Port of Everett Commissioner in 1987 and won her election becoming the first woman to serve on the Port Commission. We were all so proud of her accomplishments as a Port Commissioner.
Nina is survived by her daughters, Eunice, of Gig Harbor and Molly, of Friday Harbor; sons, Paul, of Boston, Jim (Ann), of Seattle, Gene (Dawn), of Everett and son in law, Gerry Henson, of Auburn; grandchildren, Arron Healy, of Salt Lake City, Sarah Healy Pyrzak, of Sierra Madre, Louis Henson, of Bellingham, Max O’Neil, of Bellingham, Sydney O’Neil, of Everett, Meaghan O’Neil, of San Francisco and Katie O’Neil of Santa Clara; great grandchildren, Eliza and Naomi Pyrzak.
Nina was preceded in death by her husband, Bill (2015), eldest son, Willy (2004), eldest daughter, Kelly (2004).
Special gratitude goes to mom’s caregivers. Tara Ross lived and cared for mom and dad for the last 3+ years of their lives. Caregivers from The McDonald Agency have cared for mom and dad since 2008. Florence Kagonyera was mom’s McDonald Agency caregiver on weekends. Hospice of Providence also provided critical care at the end of mom and dad’s lives. Caregivers are angels living on earth disguised as humans.
We’re also most grateful to Doug Hutter, a lifelong friend and ICS graduate who is compassionately handling the funeral arrangements for mom with Lemley Chapel. And last but not least, our family is forever grateful to Hugh and Jackie Minor for their enduring, unconditional love for us and our parents.
Nina’s Funeral Mass will be held at 2:00 on Friday, October 21, at Immaculate Conception Church, 2501 Hoyt Avenue, Everett, Washington. A decade of the Rosary will be recited at 1:50 PM prior to the Funeral. A reception will follow at Monsignor Mattie Hall located next to the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Immaculate Conception School Endowment Fund (icolphschool.org)
Arrangements are under the care of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.