Marcie O'Neill, 56
STAMFORD, Vt. â€' Marcie O'Neill, 56, of East Road died Thursday evening, July 1, 2010, at home surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer.
Born in Chicago on Sept. 8, 1953, daughter of Jean Fisher of Wilmette, Ill., and the late Lawrence Fisher, she graduated from New Trier West High School and, in 1975, from Lake Forrest College with a degree in American studies. She taught Grades 7 and 8 at Golf School in Morton Grove, Ill., before moving to New York City in 1976.
Mrs. O'Neill was employed in the paralegal profession, most recently as a trainer for legal research company LexisNexis in cities including New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and lastly from her home in Thetford, Vt. She began as a paralegal for the law firm of Townley & Updike from 1976 to 1980, then worked in the legal department for ABC Sports, including working on the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. She also was supervisor of corporate paralegals for New York City's largest law firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom. One of the first paralegals that she hired in 1986 was her husband-to-be, Dr. Douglas O'Neill.
Over the past 18 years, Mrs. O'Neill has been extraordinarily dedicated to her family, whom she loved dearly, and her goodwill and verve were inspiring to everyone around her. She was an active in the Stamford PTG, coached many spelling and geography bee teams, and was a volunteer in the school's environmental education program. She also was involved with the Christmas Brook Figure Skating Club, serving on the board of directors for multiple years. Additionally, she volunteered her time to read for Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic and Berkshire Talking Chronicle.
Besides her mother and husband, she leaves two daughters, Tegan and Zia O'Neill, at home; a brother, Maury Fisher of Highland Park, Ill., and a sister, Elene Clement, of Dunlevy, Pa.
FUNERAL NOTICE â€' A memorial service for Mrs. O'Neill will be held on Friday, July 9, at Bella Via Ristorante, 1899 Second St., Highland Park, Ill.
Calling hours will be Tuesday, July 6, from 4 to 7 at Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapels, 521 West Main Street, North Adams. With Mrs. O'Neill's dedication to her daughters' education in mind, gifts in her memory may be made to Miss Hall's School, PO Box 1166, Pittsfield, MA 01202.