Gail A O'Neil

Gail Ann O’Neil (Svenson), 65 of Binghamton, NY.

 With her loving family by her side and on her own terms, as she did most things in life, Gail passed away on Monday, August 30th.  The world lost a very loved, special and one-of-a-kind person that afternoon.  Gail is described by friends as generous and charitable, tough as nails, both hysterical and terrifying, an amazing friend and co-worker, a second mother to many, someone who told it like it was yet always made others feel included or like family, a ball of fire who left her mark on others (sometimes quite literally) and an overall great person who left a lasting impression on this world.  Gail was a beloved mother of 3 who taught her children to be loyal, kind, giving, fair, honest and to treat others equally as well as respect their differences.  She loved her job and devoted 30 years to NY State Services, providing care to the physically and mentally disabled. Gail was an avid reader with a quick wit and sometimes equally quick temper.  She loved to laugh and have a drink (or several) with friends, shopping online (just ask the local UPS driver), playing the slots in Atlantic City, cooking for and feeding her family and friends, watching and feeding the squirrels... aka “the kids”, spending time with her husband, children and grandson up at “Camp” on The St. Lawrence River; and most of all Gail loved being a proud Gigi to her “Ginger Baby”, Finn.  She also generously donated to numerous charities and benefits, was always quick to give any assistance she could to those she loved and opened her heart and home to all those who needed her over the years.  Her passing came quickly and unexpectedly after a very recent diagnosis of Lung Cancer.  Gail is reunited with her father Oscar Svenson and her mother Frances Ciechon-Svenson; Sister In Law’s Ellen O’Neil “Miss Ellie” and Susan Svenson; nephew Frankie Svenson.  Gail's memory and spirit lives on through her husband of 46 years, Dane O’Neil and their three children Sean, Brianne and Cailin O’Neil; grandson Finnegan O’Neil and his mother Catie Maczko; siblings Diane Williams “Dinie” and Frank Svenson; Sister In Law’s Karen O’Neil and Jackie O’Neil; Brother In Law’s Tommy O’Neil, Danny O’Neil, Billy O’Neil and Tommy Williams; nieces Tracy Gates, Tammy Shady, Laurie Williams, Kelly Paniccia and Taylor O’Neil; nephews Tommy Williams and Rory O’Neil; as well as many other extended family members whom she loved.  According to Gail's final wishes, a small private service will be held Tuesday, September 7th for family and close friends only.  All others who loved Gail may join her family after 5pm at My Uncles Place in Binghamton to pay respects, have some drinks in her honor and celebrate her life.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Gail's name to The Lung Cancer Research Foundation, https://www.lungcancerresearchfoundation.org/?form=donate.

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