Margaret Ann Matthews O'Neil

Margaret Ann Matthews O'Neil passed away on March 30, 2024. She was born at Providence Hospital in Waco, Texas, to Frank and Virginia Matthews on June 12, 1940. A true daughter of the Lone Star State, she loved bluebonnets in spring, Tex-Mex dining and warm summer days. She married Frank O’Neil after a particularly hot summer in South Carolina. Together they raised four children and built a life in Winston-Salem, N.C. 

Margaret was an active member of Our Lady of Mercy Church and school for over 60 years. She completed the Diocese of Charlotte Lay Ministry Program and was involved in many church programs, including Marriage Encounter, Cursillo, Charismatic Renewal, Eucharistic Ministry, Communion to the Sick and the Parish Council. In later years she was a member of the Order of Saint Clare Secular Franciscans, embodying the Franciscan values of simplicity, service and compassion.

Margaret graduated magna cum laude from UNC-Greensboro in 1988, earning a bachelor’s degree in social work. She was recognized as a student of excellence and a member of the Honors Council. Margaret earned her master's degree from the University of South Carolina in 1989 and was certified by the Academy of Certified Social Workers in 1993. She served as a case manager at Senior Services and the N.C. Eye Bank. Later, she found great satisfaction and fulfillment in her favorite side hustle, Season's Touch. With her creative vision (and Frank’s patient labor), she brought environments to life with great imagination, beautiful flowers and delightful thrift store finds. Her kindness, compassion and creative spirit made a lasting impact on us all.

Margaret deeply loved her family both near and far, including Frank, her husband of 65 years; her children, Sharyn Lieth (Heiner), Allen O'Neil (Carol), Mike O'Neil (Barbara), and Patrick Soter O'Neil (Cyndi); her grandchildren, Elisabeth Schmidt (Jathan), Mary Lieth (Matthew Melville), Stephen O'Neil, Hillary O’Neil  (John Downes), Alex O'Neil, Andrew O'Neil, Jack Soter O'Neil and Clara Soter O'Neil; her great-grandchildren, Paxton Schmidt and Jaron Schmidt; her brother, F.L. Matthews; and her many nieces, nephews and cousins.

We are deeply grateful to the care team at Homestead Hills and the many doctors, nurses, neighbors and friends who have provided enduring support during her journey with us. The family will receive visitors at Hayworth Miller on Silas Creek Parkway from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 16, with a brief Franciscan memorial service beginning at 6:00 p.m. A celebration of Margaret's life will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church on Friday, May 17, at 11:00 a.m.