Bernice M. O'Neil

Bernice, born and raised on the south side of Milwaukee, was proud of her Polish roots. She was one of five children with two older brothers and two younger sisters. She met her true love at the age of 19; she just hadn't realized it yet. But her future husband Larry O'Neil sure did! They met at Dreamland Dance Hall. It was love at first sight for him, which he later described as "some enchanted evening." He asked her to dance and proposed marriage three months later. Four years later they were married and Bernice became a doting stay-at-home mother to five daughters. She had childhood goals of becoming a teacher and taught her children to read before they entered kindergarten. She also taught her children the importance of prayer, family, friendship, and good manners. 

Bernice became involved in the community as president of the PTA. She inspired her husband to run for political office resulting in 7 successful election campaigns. When her youngest child started high school, Bernice began employment outside the home. Her quick mind and ability to work with numbers made her an immediate hire for the IRS. She flourished at any task involving numbers or meeting new people. After retirement, these same skills contributed to her decades long volunteer work at Wilson Park Senior Center. 

Bernice was an amazing mother, nana, and a delegate mother to those who still adore her to this day. She was "a rock" for many. She made it a point to show people how much she cared for them with her love and generosity. Bernice had the unique gift of making us all feel individually special, whether family or friend, always staying connected. And we were all her favorite. She never missed a birthday, graduation, wedding, birth, anniversary or holiday celebration. She hoped and prayed our family bonds would last long after her time here with us. Bernice was a devout Catholic. She found great solace in praying the rosary and attending weekly Mass.

A loving, kind, and devoted wife, mother, and nana, Bernice was predeceased by her ever-loving husband, Larry. She is survived by her five daughters Debra (Sid) Hyde, Diane (Marlin) Carlsen, Peggy (Douglas Walters) O'Neil, Mary Lynn O'Neil, and Maureen O'Neil, and nine grandchildren David, Daniel (Delaney), and Jessica Hyde, Molly and Lauren Carlsen, and Joseph (Hannah), Ryan, Luke, and Liam Walters. Also survived by her sisters Rita Konkel and Judy (Winton) Wood and brother-in-law Louis (Pauline) Marcucci as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends. 

Visitation and funeral Mass celebrating Bernice's life was held on Friday, December 3, 2021 at St. Rita Church in West Allis. In lieu of donations, please choose from the following of Bernice's favorite things to do... Attend mass, love family, call a friend, learn a musical instrument, bake a pie, play keno, travel, pet a dog, smile, pray.