Linda O'Neil

Linda O'Neil passed away on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at Riverside Hospital after a brief illness. She was born in Buffalo, New York on September 16,1943. Her birth might not have been under the best of circumstances but despite a rough childhood she was a very loving person. She loved her children and grandchildren unconditionally. She was always there for friend in need, she fostered a love of animals in her son and passed on her giving nature to him as well. She was an avid fan of Judge shows and True Crime stories. In her life she was employed at the now defunct Bourbonnais Herald Newspaper until its abrupt closing. She enjoyed dealing with people and had a gift of the gab. She considered the customers she sold ads to as friends and would foster relationships some of which survived after the closing of the paper. She resented the closing of the paper and of all the people she encountered in life she only held disdain for the owner and the operator of the paper for the way they treated her when she had a battle with cancer and for the abrupt way they closed the doors to the business that she had been such a loyal employee of. She loved her dogs and insisted that they be spoiled to levels that are almost unheard of. One regret of her life was the way her eldest daughter Diane turned out and that her daughter made no attempt at any sort of reconciliation before her eldest daughter passed away. The way her eldest daughter treated her kids put her in a position of attempting to rescuing 3 of her grandchildren. Despite her best efforts and providing them with the same unconditional love she gave her own kids the outcome with 2 of them turned out less than positive. Her relationship with her younger daughter Michelle was one of equal love and devotion. She had great love for her daughter and a very close relationship. When her younger daughter was diagnosed with cancer, she was convinced her daughter would beat it. If love had been enough her daughter would have won her battle but sadly she didn't. She was proud of the way her daughter fought and referred to her as “My Hero”. In spite of the tragedy's in her life it didn't diminish her giving nature and her care for others. She had a quick wit and wouldn't take any disrespect from anyone. She was proceeded in death by a much loved brother Ray who she referred to as a DA for his refusal to listen to doctors. Sadly her daughters Diane Beardon and Michelle Beardon. Also a long list of dogs that lived spoiled lives. She is survived by her Husband of 47 years Marvin O'Neil her son Harry O'Neil as well as siblings Leslie, Nora, Pat and David. Her grandchildren from Michelle Stephanie and Stephen Lockwood as well as a great grandchild Lilly. The grandchild from Diana that she still had a relationship with Theresa and great grandchildren Hope, Kaleb and Liam who she would want them to know that no matter what she loves them. She is also survived by her dogs who in her words are Crazy Daisy, Millie with issues and Roxie the little piggy. Also friends she made over the years. In lieu of flowers she would want donations made to the local animal shelters or any other local charity. Cremation rights have been accorded with her ashes spread according to her wishes. There will be no visitation in accordance with her wishes. Her daughter Michelle loved the sentiment of Live Laugh Love. Linda O'Neil might have felt she didn't do much living or or laughing but her Love was a force of nature.