Alice Ann (Goudreau) O'Neil

Alice Ann O'Neil, age 78, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, passed away August 9, 2018 at War Memorial Hospital. She was born January 28, 1940 in Exeter, New Hampshire to parents, Edward and Edla (McIntire) Goodreau. She graduated from Exeter High School in 1957 and was a graduate of McIntosh Business College in Dover, New Hampshire. She met the love of her life, Thomas O'Neil, on a blind date. They were married in 1962 in Exeter, where together they embarked on the USCG military life, moving every two and a half years. In 1976, Tom was transferred to Base Soo, in Sault Ste. Marie. After serving 22 years in the USCG, Tom retired from the military in 1979. They bought their first house in Sault Ste. Marie because they loved the area and treasured their friendships. Alice worked as a secretary/receptionist at the Sault Polyclinic, War Memorial Hospital Admissions, Chippewa County Credit Union, and International Sports Medicine. Following the death of her husband in 1996, Alice volunteered for Hospice and later worked there as an administrative assistant. Alice was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved spending time with her family, going to lunch with her friends and volunteering for charities that she supported, such as Hospice of the EUP and the Best of Friends Animal Shelter. She was also a lifetime member of the VFW Auxiliary 3676. At the age of 10, Alice was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. In 1950, controlling diabetes and testing your blood sugar was painstaking and maintaining good levels was challenging. She battled the disease for over 68 years, an amazing achievement. One physician called her a "rock star" in diabetes management. She never let diabetes define her. Maintaining her independence was the most important aspect to her in living with the disease. She will be remembered as a kind, gracious, giving person with a beautiful New England accent. Her family and friends will greatly miss her and remember her always. She is survived by her two daughters, Sharon Dorrity and Mary Beth (Todd Vollick) O'Neil-Vollick of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan; grandchildren Brenna and Patrick Dorrity; sisters Evelyn Snow of Littleton, New Hampshire, and Patricia Marlowe of Exeter, New Hampshire. She was beloved Auntie Alice to her nieces and nephews. Alice was preceded in death by her husband Thomas O'Neil, her parents Edward and Edla Goodreau, sister Anne Winslow, son-in-law Daniel Dorrity and brothers in law Charles Gervais, Joseph Snow, Robert Winslow, and Stephen Marlowe. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 16, 2018 from 10:00am to 12 noon at Clark Bailey Newhouse Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph's Catholic Church at 1:00p.m. with Father Michael Chenier as Celebrant and Deacon Bill Piche assisting. Alice loved to attend the Hospice Butterfly Memorial event held each August. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Hospice of the EUP Butterfly Garden Project. Hospice of the EUP, 308 W 12th Avenue, Sault Ste Marie, MI 49783. Online condolences may be left at www.clarkbaileynewhouse.com.

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Alice Ann (Goudreau) O'Neil

January 28, 1940 - August 9, 2018