Michelle O'Neil

Michelle O’Neil, 61, a lifelong resident of Bennington, Vermont, passed away on March 18, 2025, following a long illness.

Michelle was born in Bennington, Vermont, on July 28, 1963, to Bernie and Joan McDonald. She graduated from Mount Anthony Union High School in Bennington. She operated a licensed
daycare at her residence and would later work as a Paraprofessional at Bennington Elementary School and then a Pharmacy Technician at Price Chopper. She ultimately returned to providing childcare at her home, which was her true passion in life.

Michelle married the love of her life, Mike, and together they raised their wonderful daughter Mallory. Michelle and Mike enjoyed traveling, especially to the beach. Michelle particularly
enjoyed their Harley adventure in Hawaii and walking the Marginal Way in Ogunquit, Maine. Michelle was a loyal Bruce Springsteen fan. She always enjoyed going to his concerts and strived to be his #1 superfan. Michelle also had a real love for animals and adored all her family pets. Whether it was caring for her daughter’s horses or pampering the many dogs and cats they had over the years, she always gave them plenty of love.

Michelle was a loving and caring wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and a cherished Nan to her two grandsons whom she adored with all her heart. She treasured spending time with her
loved ones, and it always made her smile. Michelle will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband, Mike O’Neil; daughter, Mallory Wilcox (Jonathan); grandsons, Anker and Aiden Wilcox; parents, Bernie and Joan McDonald; siblings, Bernie McDonald Jr. (Julie), Bonnie McDonald, and Alison Kipp (Eric); mother-in-law, Barbara O’Neil; father-in-law, Frank O’Neil (Jan); sister-in-law, Colleen Hoskins (Stu); as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Michelle is predeceased by her Grandma D, Grandma Mac, and beloved nephew, Ty Kipp.

A time for visitation will be held on March 26, 2025 from 5:00-7:00 PM at the Mahar Funeral Home in Bennington, Vermont. A memorial service will be held on March 27, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Shaftsbury Methodist Church located at 127 Church Street, Shaftsbury, VT 05262. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in memory of Michelle to Breakthrough T1D (formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation).