Patricia Marguerite (Mcessy) O'Neill

Patricia Marguerite (McEssy) O’Neill, age 73, of Allouez, passed away August 26, 2017. She was born on September 14, 1943 to the late Judge Hazen W. and Marguerite (Phalen) McEssy. She graduated from St. Mary Springs Academy in Fond du Lac and attended college at the University of North Carolina and the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. On June 22, 1968, she was united in marriage to Michael O’Neill at St. Patrick Church in Fond du Lac, WI. Pat’s early years in Green Bay were devoted to raising her three children. This included active involvement in the classroom and in sports activities. In addition, she encouraged the children to be open to new experiences and not to be afraid of failure. Pat’s example gave her children a model to follow. She also provided the support to her husband as he started and developed his successful medical career. Pat’s commitment and dedication to the community was life-long. Some high-lights of her contributions included: Chair-Person of Welfare Committee for the Service League of Green Bay, Family Violence Center Speakers Bureau, Neville Public Museum Docent, American Cancer Society facilitator, Northeastern Wisconsin Talented and Gifted Association President, League of Women Voters Board of Directors and First Vice President, and Brown County Medical Society Auxiliary President. Remarkably, in addition to her extensive public service, Pat found time for leisure activities with friends including: two book clubs, two bridge groups, the Yogi group, bicycling group, and golfing group. In 1992, Pat entered the political arena and enjoyed her first success after being voted in as village trustee. Her career continued for the next 16 years, with the final two years as Village President. She continued to be involved in many community activities after her retirement from village president in 2008. These included co-founder and board member of the Mediation Center of Greater Green Bay and co-chair of Ribbon of Hope fundraising activities. In addition, she spent more time with her grandchildren, traveled extensively, and found great pleasure nurturing friendships. Survivors include her husband, Dr. Michael O’Neill; son Sean (Jamie) O’Neill of Burke, VA; daughters: Katy (Dr. Jeff Shere) O’Neill of De Pere and Molly O’Neill of De Pere; grandchildren: Connor and Quinn O’Neill, Hayley and Jameson Jauquet, Marguerite “Mara,” Nicholas, Rosy Mei, and Annie Shere; brothers: William (Lois) McEssy and Terry (Kris) McEssy. In addition to her parents Hazen and Marguerite, she was preceded in death by her younger brother Mick McEssy. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 31 at Resurrection Catholic Church from 2pm until 4:45pm. A memorial mass will follow at 5:00pm with Bishop Robert Morneau officiating. Cotter Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family. A memorial fund is being established in the name of Patricia M. O’Neill in care of the family. The family expresses its gratitude and deep appreciation to Dr. Erin Green in the St. Vincent Hospital Emergency Department for her compassionate listening and excellent care; to Dr. Matthew Ryan and his associates and treatment team at Green Bay Oncology for their prompt, respectful, and considerate care; to the nursing staff and treatment team on the 9th floor of St. Vincent Hospital for their skilled and competent care and for their emotional support and to the Unity Hospice treatment team, whose nurses provided the care and guidance to support the family in our efforts to meet Pat’s needs in our home surrounded by her loving family, with a special thank you to Sarah. The family also expresses its heartfelt gratitude to all the dear friends whose prayers, love, cards, flowers, food and thoughtful support meant so much to Pat and helped carry the family through this sudden and devastating loss of a wonderful and beloved wife, mother, grandmother, friend and community steward

Reception:
Green Bay Country Club
2400 Klondike Rd
Green Bay, WI 54311