Lillian O'Neil

Naugatuck, CT   It is with profound sorrow and abiding love that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Lillian D. O’Neil. Lillian passed away on March 31, 2025, in Branford, Connecticut, at the age of 98, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on February 4,1927, in Waterbury, Connecticut, the cherished daughter of Marie Humphries.

Lillian's love for her family, friends, work, and hometown of Naugatuck defined her life. She spent her childhood in Union City and Naugatuck, where she attended Saint Francis Catholic School before graduating from Naugatuck High School. Following her graduation, Lillian joined the United States Cadet Nurse Corps and pursued her passion for nursing at the Clinton Hospital School of Nursing in Massachusetts. During Lillian’s clinical training at Boston City Hospital, she met her future husband, George O’Neil, they married, October 16,1954, at St. Francis Church.

Together, Lillian and George raised four children in a home filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support. Lillian was a devoted mother who met each of her children’s unique needs with patience and care. Lillian guided Kathleen and Nancy toward a fulfilling career in nursing, taught Brian the importance of kindness and compassion, and found immense joy in watching Colleen become a mother. She was, without question, a wonderful mother and took immense pride in her love of being a grandmother to Maryn.

Lillian was deeply passionate about her career as a registered nurse. She worked as a Head Nurse at Waterbury Hospital’s Main One early in her career, where she excelled in leadership and took great pride in supporting her staff. Later, she dedicated herself to a career in long-term care as a Director of Nursing in several nursing homes throughout the Waterbury area. A fierce advocate for both residents and staff, she formed lasting friendships with colleagues, many of whom she mentored and inspired.

Known for her sharp wit and infectious sense of humor, Lillian and others lovingly referred to her as “Lil the Thrill.” Above all, Naugatuck was her heart’s home. Her high school yearbook quote read, “Why can’t they all be content like me,” a testament to her deep sense of belonging.

Family was Lillian’s greatest joy. She adored being a mother and later, a grandmother. When her granddaughter Maryn affectionately dubbed her “MiMi,” she embraced the name wholeheartedly, never missing an activity and taking immense pride and joy in watching her granddaughter grow into a remarkable young woman.

Lillian was predeceased by her beloved husband, George; her mother, Marie Humphries; and her brothers, Raymond, William, and Randy Humphries and dear cousin Viola Humphries. She is survived by her children: Kathleen (Tren) O’Neil-Meyers of Branford, Nancy O’Neil of East Haven, Brian O’Neil of Meriden, and Colleen O’Neil of Westport; her cherished granddaughter, Maryn O’Neil of Washington, D.C., her dear friend, Paul Gradwell, who was like a son. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Thomas Cartledge and sisters-in-law, Susan Cartledge, Ceil Humphries, JoElla Humphries, Ann Marie Humphries, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Lillian’s devoted caregivers, Heather Richard and Mariama Bojang, for their steadfast dedication and compassionate care while living In Branford.

Lillian O’Neil lived a life filled with love, laughter, and purpose. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, a dedicated nurse, a loyal friend, and a woman who found joy in the simple moments of everyday life. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished in our hearts.

Graveside services will be held at St. James Cemetery, Naugatuck, CT, April 12, 2025 at 11am. All are invited to attend.

In memory of Lillian memorial donations may be made to the Naugatuck Historical Society, 380 Church Street, Naugatuck, CT 06770 and/or the Nurses’ Health Study, Channing Division of Network Medicine, 181 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115- 5804.