Obituary of Colleen Marie O'Neil Schmidt

Colleen Marie O’Neil Schmidt passed away October 30, 2024.  She was born and raised in Elmira a daughter to the late Harry and Florence (Flossie) O’Neil. A loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, Col is survived by Danny, her husband of 47 years; her much beloved sons Jeremy (wife Kate), and Mathew; and grandson Calvin, as well as her siblings, Kevin (Lisa), Barb (Mike), and Joe. She will also be greatly missed by her Schmidt family: Kathy, Mary Lou, Marty, Peg, Joe, John, Teresa, Mike, Dave, and Steve; her many sisters- and brothers-in-law; nieces and nephews; her dear friends Linn and Sandy; and her devoted dog Dooley. Col joins her parents, brother Patrick, in-laws John and Mary Schmidt, nephew Ben Schmidt, and great-nephew Sean Marshall in heaven.

Col was a graduate of St Mary’s Elementary School and a 1974 graduate of Southside High School. Career highlights include being a valued employee of the Holiday Inn in downtown Elmira, caring for patients at Arnot Ogden’s dialysis unit, and managing the family laundromat. Her excellent work and uncommon kindness inspired multiple nominations for the Star Gazette’s “Morning Star.” But Colleen’s favorite job of all was being a loving mother to Jer and Mat, and Grandma to her adored grandson, Calvin.

Col enjoyed spending time with her family, digging in her garden, and decorating her home for every season. She loved the many dogs that were part of the family, always finding space in her heart for one more. Col filled every room with her big personality, constant love, and Irish wit and wisdom, and she was so happy to fulfill her life’s dream of traveling to Ireland to celebrate her heritage.

A celebration of Colleen’s life will be held at a later date.

Until we meet again, sleep peacefully dear Colleen . . . 

“It’s all for the loss of my bonny Irish lass

That my heart is breaking forever.”