Mary Adelaide (Fitzsimons) O'Neil passed away peacefully on Monday, August 24, 2026. She was born on May 27, 1941, to Henry E. Fitzsimons and Regina A. Penell. She grew up in Burlington Vermont. She attended Cathedral Grammar School. She was a member of the first graduating class at Rice Memorial High School in 1959. She was honored to be co-salutatorian. She graduated from Trinity College in Burlington in 1963. Mary received her Master of Education from the University of Vermont in 1975.

Mary began her teaching career at Champlain Valley Union High School in January 1969. She taught Business and History. Mary was a proud member of Vermont NEA. Mary retired in 2002, to care for her husband.

Mary married Thomas A. O'Neil at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in Richmond, Vermont on August 19, 1978.

Mary is survived by her son Thomas P. O'Neil of Richmond, Vermont, a sister Ann F. Murdock of Houston, Texas, and Sister-in-law Meg Fitzsimons of Burlington, Vermont. She is also survived by several cousins and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary was predeceased by her parents Henry and Regina Fitzsimons, her husband Thomas A. O'Neil, sister Christine (George) Charron, and brother Patrick Frizsimons. She is also predeceased by her in-laws Thomas J (Laura) O'Neil, Lester O'Neil, Virginia (Charles) Lafreniere, Ester Truax, James (Joan) O'Neil, Mary (Louis) Bombardier, Francis (Joanne) O'Neill, Sr. Elizabeth O'Neil, and Ann (Edward) Mobbs.

Mary was an active parishioner at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in Richmond. She was a member of Hale and Hearty Senior club and Beacon Light Grange. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma (sorority of educators). She was a founding board member of the Richmond Community Senior Center. She also served on the board of Our Community Cares Camp.

Special thanks to UVM Home Health and Hospice and Age Well for their assistance in allowing Mary's wish to spend her final months at home. She was very appreciative that her son, Thomas, was able to be her full-time caregiver.

Friends and family are invited to Mary's celebration of life. Visiting hours will be from 5-7 PM on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Gifford Funeral Home, 22 Depot Street Richmond, VT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, 64 West Main Street, Richmond, VT. Interment will follow in Holy Rosary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to University of Vermont Home Health and Hospice 1110 Prim Road Colchester, VT 05446.