Obituary of Christina Sadie O'Neill

With appreciation for a life well lived, the family of Christina Sadie (French) O’Neill, wish to announce with heavy hearts, the passing of their beloved beautiful mother on July 29, 2022. Christina was born in Saint John, New Brunswick on Christmas Day, December 25, 1928 to Sadie (Shattie) and Thomas French.

Her parents Sadie and Thomas French immigrated to Canada from Hadchit Lebanon. Christina was a devout Catholic and member of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception all of her life. She was very proud of her Lebanese heritage and followed many of the old traditions, which included preparing delicious Lebanese meals for friends and family. She could be heard saying, “Sit down, eat something, are you hungry?“ . There was never a guest that left her home hungry.

As a young woman living with all her family in the Lebanese community in Saint John, Christina enjoyed large family gatherings, picnics at local parks and beaches; she would often go to city dances with her friends. It was at one of these dances that she met the love of her life, an Irish man Gerald O’Neill. From that day onward they enjoyed many happy years of marriage and raised their family of four together. Her home was always filled with love and laughter.

During her working years, Christina operated alongside her husband in their family owned business, The South End Variety and Take Out. It was there that her outgoing personality truly shined. Christina loved people, she always had a warm friendly greeting to all she met. Her happiest days involved being with family and friends, cooking Lebanese meals, and playing cards. Christina always made those who came to her home feel welcomed whether it was at their summer home on Taylor lake or their home at Champlain Heights or later Loch Lomond. In her final years Christina resided at the Admiral Beatty Complex where she had many friends. She enjoyed card games, luncheons, social gatherings, as well as senior tours around New Brunswick. Our dear mother loved to have fun and was always full of life, she will be deeply missed.

She leaves behind her children Gerald O’Neill, Edmund O’Neill (Sheryl) and Karen Brown (Jason). Grandchildren Jennifer O’Neill, Andrew Grenier, Allan Grenier, Mitchell O’Neill, Sarah O’Neill, and Tyler Brown. Great granddaughter Juliana Love and great grandson Aiden Grenier.

Several nieces, nephews, cousins and in-law.

In addition to her parents Sadie and Thomas, she was predeceased by her beloved husband Gerald Cyril O’Neill, her beautiful daughter Teresa (O’Neill) Grenier, and her first grandson Michael O’Neill. Siblings from the French family include Raymond, Edmund, Charles, Mary, Georgina, George, Thomas and Douglas. Christina was the last surviving member of her immediate family, she was the baby of the family and cherished by all, she will be sadly missed.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on October 14, 2022 at 12:10pm. Interment will take place following the service at Saint Joseph's cemetery as well as a reception service at the bishop's residence. In lieu of flowers, donations in Christina's memory can be made to the Loch Lomond Villa Foundation or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.BrenansFH.com.