Audrey Catherine O’Neil
O’NEIL, Audrey Catherine (Steeves)
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Audrey O’Neil announce her passing on September 25th at the age of 71 years. She will be forever missed by her soulmate and husband of 48 years, Kevin, their two children Greg (Stephanie) and Leanne (Cam); grandchildren Braxton, Gunner, Rylee, Sophie and Brielle; sister Barbara and brother Gordon (Allison). She is predeceased by her Mother and Father, Ruth and Dudley Steeves, her Mother-in-Law and Father-in-Law, Fran and Bob O’Neil, and Sister-in-Law Janice Steeves.
Audrey grew up in Montreal and attended Macdonald Campus of McGill University where she and Kevin met. After graduation, they moved west, and settled in Edmonton, where she enjoyed her 30 year career in cytogenetics at the University of Alberta Hospital.
Besides the love of her profession, she was always the family cheerleader, attending Greg and Leanne’s sporting events when they were young, and ultimately her grandchildren’s activities as well. Audrey loved baking and cooking, making raspberry jam and relish, gardening, reading and volunteering. Her butter tarts were always a big hit at Christmas.
She enjoyed conversations, whether on the phone or by email, with good friends that she had met throughout the years. Near or far, she always loved these talks. Audrey loved to travel and took full advantage of this after her retirement. When treatments kept her closer to home, Audrey and Kevin bought their “happy place” in Canmore at the base of the Three Sisters mountains.
The family wishes to thank the professionals that treated Audrey along her cancer journey including Dr. S. Basi, Dr. K. Hoffart, and the Palliative Home Care Team.
To the staff and volunteers of the Roozen Family Hospice Centre where Audrey was so fortunate to spend her final days, words cannot express the gratitude we feel for the kindness and compassion that you provided to us all.
In keeping with Audrey’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held at the Derrick Golf and Winter Club, Thursday October 5th at 11:00 A.M. Knowing Audrey well, you would know she would not want this to be a somber occasion, but a celebration of her life in a colourful and bright setting.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Audrey’s memory can be made to the Pilgrims Hospice Society (www.pilgrimshospice.com).
Chris and I are so grateful to have met Audrey and Kevin (and Murphy) during our short years as neighbours in Jagare Ridge. We will always remember you both, and hold a very special place in our hearts for wonderful friends made outdoor during the lonely days of 2020-21. Our tears and heartfelt wishes of comfort and care are with you and your family Kevin.
Carrie and Chris Nystrom
(Canmore)
Audrey was not only a pillar to lean on in her family’s life but also a pillar in my life. She will be so deeply missed by so many. My heartfelt condolences to all of you.
To Kevin and family, Audrey was a wonderful neighbour and friend. We have shared many good conversations since becoming a part of the community in Jagare Ridge. Dave and I send our condolences. She will be missed by many on Howes Crescent. With love, from Holly.
During the short time we’ve known Audrey, it was obvious that she cared about people. In spite of how she was feeling, she was always interested in the well-being of others. We were very fortunate to have been able to spend the time we did with Audrey and Kevin and, our condolences go out to Kevin and family. Judy and Ross Flintoft
Audrey, one of my dear, quintessential Canadians, who showed me how to
be one myself. I so appreciated those exampled moments and hope that I, in some meagre measure, showed progress. Audrey was special, and I am truly indebted to her.
I wont forget our shared memories from the Edmonton Folk Festival, my most rain drenched ones, for sure.
My deepest condolences to you, Kevin, and the family.
See you on the hill, Audrey.
Kevin and I send our sincere condolences. I will miss my dearest friend but will always keep her close to my heart.
My heart feels a great sorrow that Audrey has passed without my seeing her for years. She helped me count weeds at Macdonald College for my Ph. D. Research. And I was so thrilled when she came to work in my Cytogenetics Lab at U of A a few years later. I have been retired since 2004, so almost twenty years have passed by too quickly. I’ll always remember Audrey as a dedicated individual full of warmth and kindness. My sincere condolences to Kevin and family, and all those who will miss her dearly.
Audrey fought cancer so hard. She never talked about how difficult it must have been and she continued to make the most of her life and to care for, and about, others.
At this time of year Audrey and I would make antipasto, which we did annually for many, many years. In 1996, Kevin. Audrey, Brad and I took golf lessons together in the old Golf Dome and then honed our skills as best we could. I have so many memories of shared dinners and events. I will miss her greatly and I know my sadness is nothing compared to yours.
My sincere condolences for your loss Kevin, Greg and Leanne.
I am so sad to hear of Audrey’s passing. I well remember her arrival in the Cytogenetics Lab in the late 70’s when we were a small crew of only three! I learned so much from her over the years and was glad to share with her a common pride and love for our profession. Through many accomplishments and some trials and tribulations, Audrey was always a loyal, kind and calm coworker and friend. My heartfelt condolences to all of you Kevin, Greg and Leanne and your loved ones.
Shirley Lammrrs