Miriam G. O'Neill

Miriam G. O’Neill, a beloved wife, mother, and dedicated member of her community, passed away on May 3, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was the wife of Matthew Robert (Bob) O’Neill, with whom she was married for 71 years.

Born on July 22, 1932 in New York City at St. Ann's Hospital. Miriam was the youngest daughter of Morris and Violet (Crosby) Alvarez. She and her sisters, Violet and Gladys, were raised in the vibrant city of Manhattan, which she so loved. The three sisters would maintain close lifelong ties.

Miriam's academic ability shone bright during her time at Julia Richman High School, where she earned a three-year scholarship to St. John's School of Nursing. However, fate intervened when she met her future husband, Bob, during a visit with her sister, Violet, in Wakefield, RI. Miriam decided to pursue other interests and left nursing school to work at New York City Telephone. There she earned the title of Miss New York Telephone through her dedication and hard work. Later, Miriam went to work in advertising as the assistant to the president/owner of Color Productions where she remained until her wedding.

Miriam and Bob exchanged vows on August 16, 1953 at The Church of Saint Agnes in New York City in a large ceremony presided over by Monsignor Dineen and attended by friends and family. Following their wedding, Bob and Miriam settled in South County, RI. She remained devoted to New York City and would regularly return with her family to visit her parents.

Miriam loved to entertain at home, frequently hosting bridge luncheons and beautiful holiday and theme parties with lifelong friends. She was a wonderful cook and took great pride in her beautiful table settings and decorating. Entertaining provided an opportunity to engage her outgoing nature and love of meeting new people. Bob and Miriam thoroughly enjoyed dancing and were able to keep dancing together, a lifetime pleasure.

Family was the most important component of Miriam’s life. She loved her children fiercely and instilled in them a sense of determination, worldliness and discernment. Throughout their marriage, Bob and Miriam travelled extensively and were socially active participants in their community. They were members of Galilee Beach Club, The Dunes Club and Point Judith Country Club in Narragansett, RI. They spent 53 winters in Florida, enjoying beach walking, family gatherings and socializing at The Pelican Bay Club in Naples. In August 2024, Miriam and Bob were delighted to celebrate their 71st wedding anniversary.

Devoting nearly 30 years of her life to South County Hospital, Miriam volunteered with unwavering dedication. For many of those years, she served as the Director of Volunteers, embodying the spirit of selflessness and community service ingrained in her by her mother at an early age. She organized the hospital’s coffee shop, was instrumental in starting and running the hospital Gift Shop as well as further developing the hospital volunteer program. Miriam actively participated in fundraising for the South County Center for the Arts and the Women's Resource Center. She was a long time member of The Junior and Senior Women's Clubs.

As her volunteer projects concluded, Contract Bridge became her next passion. Miriam achieved Silver Life Master status in American Contract Bridge. However, the onset of macular degeneration brought an end to her bridge activities once visual challenges intervened.

She is predeceased by her sisters, the late M. Gladys Naughton and Violet L. Clark. Beside her husband, Bob, Miriam leaves behind her three children: Suellen G. O’Neill (Rapin) of Wellesley, MA, Mark R. O'Neill (Linda) of Wakefield, and Melissa O. Thatcher (Gentry Jr.) of Andover, MA. Her legacy extends further through her five grandchildren: Nicole, Megan, Matthew, Gentry and Elena, and her niece, Pamela (Wayne) Zdanowicz, and nephew, Dennis (Cindy) Naughton and many other dear nieces and nephews.

The family is especially grateful to Miriam’s wonderful home caregivers, Karyn, Melanie, Vanessa, Gina and Cheryl, who offered superb care, support and compassion. The family thanks Bailey, Athena, and Jodi of Visiting Nurse Home and Hospice.

Funeral arrangements will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Miriam’s memory to: Visiting Nurse Home and Hospice, 438 E. Main Road, Middletown, RI 02842 or IN-SIGHT, 43 Jefferson Boulevard #1, Warwick, RI 02888. Miriam’s life was a testament to the power of love, family and service. She will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. May she rest in eternal peace.