Kathleen V. O'Neil, age 72 of Ithaca, entered eternal rest on June 1 with support of family and hospice care after a long courageous battle with cancer. A daughter of the late William and Elizabeth (Coveny) O'Neil, Kathleen was born July 10, 1948 and raised in Johnson City, New York. She had also lived in Manhattan, Detroit, Chicago and Philadelphia before settling in Ithaca for the last 20 years of her life.
Kathleen was a licensed massage therapist for 40 years, applying her skills and compassion in her own business, "Why Knot Massage," as well as a volunteer in the community. She loved sharing her gift of sensitive and intuitive touch to comfort her clients, her family and friends, as well as those in hospice care and at the Ithaca Free Clinic.
With a diverse appreciation of life, Kathleen enjoyed a number of interests from walking with friends to volunteering her time and talents in many ways at St. John's Episcopal Church. Dabbling in choreography in her life enhanced her appreciation of theater, especially as a subscriber to Ithaca College's dance and theater productions. Kathleen also loved her life at home, tending to vegetable and flower gardens and caring for pets, always with a cat or two by her side.
Kathleen leaves her loving family, including her sisters Ann O'Neil, of New Hampshire, and Denise Miles (Mike), of Florida; niece Kuerstin Fordham, of New Hampshire, and nephew John Fordham, of New Hampshire; great nephew and nieces James, Autumn and Makayla Macedo and Natalie Stio. She also leaves a number of friends who became her extended family. In addition to Kathleen's parents, an infant sister, Marilyn O'Neil, predeceased her.
A private memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. Memorial gifts may be sent to: Friends of Stewart Park, 120 Brindley Street, Suite 4, Ithaca, NY 14850. Bangs Funeral Home, 209 W Green St, Ithaca, NY 14850 is entrusted with arrangements.
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