Amy 0'Neill

Heaven received another angel with the passing of Amy Margaret 0'Neill on July 24, 2011. Born to Donald 0'Neill of Shelton and the late Jeanette 0'Neill in Bridgeport on August 11, 1957. Amy graduated from Lauralton Hall in 1976. In 1998 the school gave her the Claven Award, recognizing her outstanding life. SHe graduated from Briarwood College in 1980 with an associate's degree then had a career at area hospitals, until illness prevented her from working. She was a sel-taught artist whose favorite subject was flowers because they're "so full of life." She enjoyed needlepoint, yoga, watching the ocean and the simple things, like a beautiful day, a great piece of New York cheesecake and spending time with her faithful feline companion, Paula. She had a sweet smile, an engaging laugh and always wore pearl earrings. She was born with recessive epidermolysis bullosa, a rare skin disease, and was one of the world's longest-living survivors. In her 40s, it progressed to cancer, but she never lost her zeal for life and her upbeat attitude. Amy was pure of soul and heart. She was inspirational, brave and courageous. She brought out the best in people, and cared deeply for them. Many people and organizations came to her aid, for which she was truly grateful. Amy is survived by her special friend Jack Gambardella and his family who meant so much to her; her precious cat Paula, and a host of friends who loved Amy and were very important to her. She was grateful to the countless people whose support made it possible for her to live independently. She is also survived by brothers Timothy of Georgia and Geoffrey of Ansonia and their families. Special thanks to Dr. Stephen Ariyan and the compassionate caregivers at Yale-New Haven Hospital, Smilow Cancer Hospital and Connecticut Hospice. The angels at Hospice comforted her as she left this Earth on butterfly wings. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Sisk Brothers Funeral Home, 3105 Whitney Ave., Hamden. A Mass of Christian burial will be said at St. Rita Church, 1620 Whitney Ave., Hamden at 9 a.m. Saturday. Burial at St. Lawrence Cemetery, West Haven. Memorial contributions may be made to Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, Ct. 06405.

Amy 0'Neill

August 11, 1957 - July 24, 2011