Sarah O'Neill

Sarah (Kelly) O’Neill, 92, of Elizabeth, N.J. died peacefully at home surrounded by family on March 29, 2024. Sarah was born in Killala, County Mayo, Ireland, to the late Patrick and Annie Kate Kelly. She left Ireland in 1953 for America following her cousin and lifelong friend Mary Moriarty. She initially lived with her aunts Marie Goldrick and Bea(trice) Walsh in Newark, N.J. where she also met the love of her life, James (Jimmy) O’Neill at an Irish Dance at the Hotel Benzell.

Never forgetting their Irish heritage, Sarah and her husband Jim were prominent members of the Irish NJ/NY communities ranging from the Ancient Order of the Hibernians of Elizabeth to many Ceili groups. A driving work ethic and strong religious faith defined her roles at Elizabeth High School, as homemaker, mother, grandmother and lifelong companion to Jim.

Widely known for her quick wit and winning smile, she will be extremely missed. Sarah was the loving wife of 65 years to James O’Neill. Loving mother of Maura and her husband Chris, Patrick and his wife Annette, James and his wife Isabel, and Michael and his wife Shelley. Dear sister of Mary Matthews and brother Martin who resided in the U.K.. Cherished grandmother of Sarah, Megan, Kristen, Kelly, Kaitlin, Michael and Grace.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the viewing on Thursday, April 4 from 4-8PM at Higgins and Bonner Echo Lake Funeral Home at 582 Springfield Avenue, Westfield, N.J.. The funeral mass will be offered at 10:00 am on Friday, April 5 at Saint Mary of the Assumption Church in Elizabeth, N.J.. Interment to follow at St. Gertude Cemetery, Colonia, N.J..

In lieu of flowers, the O’Neill family respectfully requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society in her memory.