Joanna Fatalo O'Neill's Obituary
Joanna Fatalo O'Neill, 47, of Kailua, Hawaii and originally of Manchester-by-the-sea, MA, died peacefully at Kailua Hospice house with her family by her side on Wednesday, September 25th, 2013.
Joanna grew up in Manchester, MA and was a graduate of Manchester High School. After graduating she attended Hofstra University and went on to receive her masters in teaching from Lesley University. After receiving her degrees she moved to Key West, Florida where she met & married Johan O’Neill. Together they travelled the world living in South Africa, Costa Rica and eventually settling in Kailua, Hawaii on the island of Oahu where they raised their 10 year old son Casper. Joanna was a teacher at the Lanikai Elementary Public Charter School where she taught social studies for the past 6 years. It was her “dream job.” She was an avid reader and student of history and felt a deep commitment to inspire her students with a passion for learning.
Joanna was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in 2012. Despite limited treatment options Joanna lived her life with an extraordinary sense of hope and determination. Throughout her illness she remained filled with gratitude for all of life’s blessings and towards the end of her journey she was sustained with a profound spiritual light that inspired all around her.
Joanna had a beautiful smile, a gentle, kind demeanor & a ripping sense of humor. She had an abundance of wonderful attributes that made her a beautiful person. She was loving, kind and patient. She was a good listener, a good storyteller and an unconditional friend to all she loved. She touched the lives of many people and had many dear friends. Most of all she was a devoted mother who cherished and adored her son Casper.
Joanna is survived by her husband Johan and son Casper O’Neill; mother Lynda & is preceded in death by her father Joseph Fatalo; her cherished grandmother Angelina Faretra; sister Catherine Glass and her husband Christopher of Manchester-by-the-Sea; sister Leslie Pappas and her husband John of Hamilton, MA; aunt Giannina Faretra Reilly and her family, of Wakefield New Hampshire; mother and father in-law Miekie & James O'Neill & brothers-in-law, Hanno O’Neill of Kailua,Hawaii & Albert of Pretoria So. Africa. She was adored by her nieces & nephews, Ava, Gavin, Hayden, Riley, Joseph, Christopher, Nick, Liahna & Charlie and will also be dearly missed by her extended family, many friends, colleagues & students.
As a beloved teacher Joanna and her family were embraced by the community. Many friends gathered for a “Celebration of Life” honoring Joanna where a traditional Hawaiian “paddle out” ceremony took place on Kalama Beach in Kailua, at sunset on October 2, 2013.
Donations may be made to the following organizations: The Lanikai Elementary Public Charter School, 140 Alala Road, Kailua, Hi 96734 , Hospice Hawaii Kailua House, 566 Papalani Street, Kailua, Hi 96734
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