Remembering Mrs. O’Neil
Very early Thursday morning, I learned that Angela O’Neil, the woman who had lived at the farm next door all the years I was growing up in the hamlet of Dover Centre, had passed away. I was greatly saddened to read this. Angela was a lovely woman, who was a ‘second mother’ to many of the kids who lived in Dover Centre, on top of being a mom to 13 of her own children. The O’Neil farm was a place that was often bustling with activity what with all the kids coming and going!
Angela was kind and always had a smile on her face. She baked cakes with money in them for her kids’ birthdays and I loved getting invited over to share in both the festivities and in that cake full of wax paper wrapped coins. Sometimes, I would get invited to tag along for a drive into Chatham, the car being at capacity for passengers with all the kids who came, too. My mom didn’t drive, so it was a welcome change to get away from the ‘same old, same old’ of downtown Dover Centre. From Mrs. O’Neil, I learned that you could fry bologna (yum!) and also received instruction on how to stop a nosebleed after banging my face off her front porch railing, doing something silly, I’m sure. I also learned that laundry for 8 or 9 people is a never ending chore! She let us plink on the piano and never said anything, even though some of us had no clue what we were doing; the noise didn’t seem to bother her. Every year, she made homemade treats for Halloween. I was particularly fond of her popcorn balls. In that house, I experienced acceptance and inclusivity, as I was always welcome. This meant a lot to me because growing up, I was that awkward kid that didn’t quite fit in.
Angela was very good friends with my grandmother, Irene Ellis. It was heartwarming to see their friendship continue to blossom over the decades that they were neighbours. I may be wrong, but I thought I had heard that when the time came for each of them to move on from the hamlet, that they chose to live in the same retirement home. That made me smile. These days, people seem to drift in and out of friendships, but theirs stood the test of time.
I haven’t lived in Dover Centre for over 25 years. When I drive through it now, I’ve noticed that much has changed, but the memories of all the years I spent there are still clear in my mind. The O’Neil house back in the day was busy and noisy at times, but more importantly, it was filled with love and governed by a woman whose heart was big enough to care for all the kids who came to play over the years.
Rest in peace, Mrs. O’Neil ♥
So beautiful, thank you so much
We loved being part of your family as well. It was fun to play video games and eat real pizza at your house. There is beauty in every household
It is my way of processing all the thoughts and memories that are in the forefront of my mind. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts. *HUGS*
Beautifully said Dawn! You have expressed what we all felt in the warmth of the O’Neil farmhouse and in Mrs. O’Neil. I have many awesome memories growing up in Dover Centre and many of them are of the times spent with the O’Neils. ‘Come on in’ was always heard coming from the kitchen or sitting area as I came in the back entrance. Maurice in his chair, Angela usually baking or cooking. I am so thankful for them and the entire O’Neil family.
Thinking of them all over these next few days. Rest In Peace Angela.
Thank you Yvette. I think most of us from Dover Centre can say that our lives were richer for having known Maurice and Angela. They were the kind of folk I aspire to be: warm, friendly and welcoming.
That was very nice Dawn. In Dover Centre ,We were one big happy family 😊❤️
Yes we were ♥
This sums up a beautiful woman who loved her family and all us kids in Dover Centre! ❤️
Dawn your beautiful remembrance of Angela has brought back lots of memories of her and the entire O’Neil clan ! For me signing the famous Halloween ledger, ice skating on their swail and Friday night K of C fish fry dances, are only some of the wonderful memories I will treasure living in Dover Centre. Mrs. O’Neil took the time to talk to each and every one of us who tromped through her home and always made us feel welcome. She will be sadly missed! 😢
Nicely said Dawn! Funny to hear everyone experienced the same loving woman and friendly household.