Obituary of Sister Gloria O’Neill

O’Neill: Sister Gloria, 85 a Sister of St. Martha of Antigonish, died at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital on Monday, March 9, 2015. She was in the 64th year of religious life. Born in Glace Bay, N.S., Sister Gloria was the only child of Thomas O’Neill and Anne Gillis. Shortly before her third birthday, Sister Gloria’s mother died. She was then raised by her Aunts, Catherine Fraser and Gertrude Donovan—the three Donovan children were in effect her siblings. Sister Gloria entered the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Martha in August, 1948, pronounced her first vows in 1950, and made perpetual profession of vows August 15, 1953. After her profession of vows, Sister Gloria ministered, chiefly, in household services. Her duties included housekeeping, Altar Bread Department, Housekeeping Supervisor, Laundry, Sacristy, Sewing, as well as Homemaker. Sister Gloria’s years of service were spent at Bethany, Saint Francis Xavier University, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Inverness, St. Martha’s Hospital, Antigonish, Emmanuel Community, Sydney, and Saint Rita Convent, Sydney. Sister Gloria was an artist in crochet cotton and wool. In her generous spirit, she was always quick in offering to share this gift, especially to comfort someone in need of a warm afghan. Sister Gloria is survived by six half-sisters: Anna Dalziel, Sally McMillan, Peggy Keirstead, Mary Rowe, Marie McLaggin, Florence Wood and four half-brothers: John (Johnny) O’Neill, Pius O’Neill, James O’Neill, Aubrey O’Neill. Besides her parents, Sister Gloria was predeceased by two half-brothers, Thomas O’Neill and Joseph (Joey) O’Neill. Being raised by her two Aunts, Sister Gloria is survived by first cousins: Father Charles Donovan, OMI, Donald Donovan, and Mary Catherine Anderson as well as her Sister-in-law, Vangie O’Neill (wife of Joseph O’Neill). The remains will be resting at Bethany, beginning Wednesday, March 11, at 1:15 p.m., where a Celebration of Vigil will be held on the same evening at 7:30 p.m. Liturgy of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, March 12, at 2:00 p.m. in Bethany Chapel.