Frances C. O'Neill

On May 13, 2023, Frances C. (Deguire) O’Neill, a loving mother, wife, grand and great-grandmother, a resident of Bennington, VT, died at home surrounded by family at the age of 84. Fran was born on January 30, 1939 in Lansingburgh, NY, as one of four children to the late Alfred and Julia (McGrath) Deguire, Sr. Fran lived to enjoy life and family. A woman of deep faith, she was very committed to the Catholic Church and hardly ever missed a weekend or holiday mass. In recent years with family spread across the US she became well versed at “facetiming” to interact. Fran grew up in Lansingburgh, a graduate of St. Patrick’s Elementary School, Catholic Central High School in 1956 and later Russell Sage College in 1960 with a degree in Physical Therapy. During her school years Fran worked the Soda Fountain and as a clerk at her dads Dequire’s Drug Store to support her studies. Following college, Fran married Philip J. O’Neill on September 17, 1960 at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Troy, NY. She began her professional career at Mary McClellan Hospital in Cambridge, NY as a staff Physical Therapist, later working with nursing homes and home health agencies throughout Bennington County. Patients always came first and on school “snow days” the kids would accompany Fran to her home health visits. Her last position as head of the therapy department at the Vermont Veterans Home is where she really excelled. Fran thoroughly enjoyed challenging and supporting the veterans as they managed through post war illnesses and injuries. She was awarded the “Outstanding Physical Therapist” in 2003 by the Vermont Health Care Association and received many appreciation awards as given by both staff and management of the Vermont Veterans Home over her 40 years of service to our veterans. As an avid reader, Fran could always be found with a book, especially while vacationing in Maine, enjoying the noises of the Atlantic and a favored dish at the Maine Diner. Upon retirement she wintered in Fort Myers, Florida until travel became too difficult. Fran always enjoyed a good meal and laughs with great friends and marked the calendar for “ladies” night every month. With her infectious laugh and sharp tongue, she felt filters were best left for a coffee maker and her facial expressions would usually be in concert with her words. Fran had a special place in her heart for helping children. She held many positions with the Girl Scouts, as troop 22 leader and camp instructor, and was a life-long member of the Girl Scouts of America. Fran taught religious education and was an instructor for the Four Winds program at Sacred Heart School for over 20 years and welcomed many fresh-air fund children into her home during the late 70’s through the 80’s. The Room for One More Program was also a membership she held, aiding underprivileged children. Fran was a vocal supporter of her children during their athletic careers, hardly missing a game and hosted many tournament teams. She was on the decorating committee at Sacred Heart St. Francis Church up until the time her illness forced her to step aside. She was quite a force in the kitchen, making holiday cookies and breads as well as her famous Shrimp Dip. At the homestead, Fran was passionate about her gardens and Apple Trees, spending countless hours planting and pruning each spring. Fran was pre-deceased by Philip (March, 2021), and brothers Paul and Alfred Deguire, Jr. She is survived by her sister Marie Deguire of Sacramento, CA, her companion, Koko the dog, her children; the five K’s, Kerry (David) Krawczyk of Bennington, Keith (Sandra) O’Neill also of Bennington, Kathleen (Mark) Hunt of Buskirk, NY, Kimberly (Douglas) Dicconson of Westport, CT and Kevin O’Neill of San Francisco, CA. Grandchildren Dylan (Brianne) and McKenzie Krawczyk; Abbie, Bailey and Ryan O’Neill; Christopher and Ethan Hunt; Parker and Jackson Dicconson; two great-grandchildren, Dalton and Kennedy Krawczyk, many nieces, nephews and friends. She leaves behind two special friends, Dare Stalica and Edi Prandini. At Fran’s request, there will be no wake service but rather a memorial mass at 11AM on Monday, May 22nd, followed by a celebration of a life well lived at Mount Anthony Country Club. The family would like to thank the many doctors and nurses that cared for Fran over the years and a special thank you to Bennington County Hospice for allowing her the comfort of her own home for her last days. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made through Mahar & Son Funeral Home in the name of the Vermont Veterans Home Rehab Department or His Pantry at Sacred Heart St. Francis Church.