Noreen O’Neill

Noreen O’Neill, 92, passed away peacefully on Saturday July 19, 2025, at UCSF Zuckerberg in San Francisco with the support of her loved ones. She was strong and determined until the very end and it could fairly be said she was passed on to a well-deserved rest. 

She was born and raised in Carlow, Ireland. In 1946 she met the love of her life, Terence (Ted), at a dance in Carlow and the dance continue for 46 years. They were best friends and constant companions and were blessed with one child, a daughter, Sheila Ann. In 1958 Ted and Noreen ventured to Vancouver, Canada to begin their adventure together. Five years later they made their way to San Francisco to join Ted’s brothers. Together the brothers began a construction business building apartment buildings in the City. Years later, they decided to branch off on their own and had a successful partnership building and developing apartment buildings in San Francisco and the Peninsula. Noreen continued operational oversight of the properties until her passing.

Noreen’s passions included horse racing, animals, various sports and lately, her Wheel of Fortune machine at Graton casino. She could often be found enjoying the races at Bay Meadows or Golden Gate Fields with occasional trips to the tracks in Kentucky. This passion led to her to begin buying and breeding thoroughbred racehorses as she enjoyed studying pedigrees, and she was thrilled to be found in the winner’s circle on occasion. They ultimately bought a thoroughbred farm in Paris, Kentucky which they affectionately named Ann Marie Farm. Noreen loved the peace and quiet of the bluegrass country and referred to this farm as the nicest little farm in Kentucky. 

Noreen is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Sheila and John O’Keefe, and her two cherished grandsons, Sean and Ryan O’Keefe. In addition, she is survived by her sisters-in-law Margaret O’Neill, Joan (Jack) Spaaragen, Theresa (Jack) Kavanagh and her brother-in-law, Daniel O’Neill (Sheri Richards) in San Francisco and Lee O’Neill in Canada. 

The family wants to give special thanks to wonderful and caring staff at St. Mary’s and UCSF Zuckerberg Hospitals. Also, a special thanks to Marianela Munoz who has cared for her the past few years. 

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at 10:30 AM at St. Cecilia’s Church, 2555 17th Ave. in San Francisco, with viewing beginning at 10 AM. Interment at Holy Cross cemetery following the Mass.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Noreen’s memory to UCSF Zuckerberg IC Unit or a favorite charity of your choice.

  Irish Blessing

May the road rise up to meet you,

May the wind be ever at your back

May the sun shine warm upon your face

And the rain fall softly on your fields

And until we meet again, May God

Hold you in the hallow of his hand.