Mary J. O'Neil, 91, of Rochester, died Sunday morning, January 14, 2018, at Edenbrook Rochester.

She was born Mary Jane Schmidt on June 11, 1926 in Pepin Township, Wabasha County to George and Bernice (Ryan) Schmidt. She attended school in the Lake City area. After graduating, she moved to Rochester to work as a Transcriptionist at Mayo Clinic. She also worked part-time at a popular popcorn stand in downtown Rochester where she met John "Jack" A. O'Neil. They were married on October 11, 1952 at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church in Lake City. They farmed in rural Eyotauntil their retirement when they moved to Rochester.

Mary was a member of the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Eyota; she taught catechism and was a member of the Ladies Church Auxiliary. She enjoyed raising her five children, caring for a large garden, canning, baking, babysitting, and opening her home to friends and family in need.

After her husband John's death in 1987, she enjoyed taking care of her three grandchildren, her pets, her flowers, and going to the casino. At that time, she was a member of St. John's the Evangelist in Rochester.

Mary is survived by two sons, John (Gretchen) of Eyota and Tom (Deb) of Winona; two daughters, Mary and Patricia, both of Rochester; two grandchildren, Bailey (Russ) Stierlen of Hinesville, GA and Austin (fiancé Kelly Rosenblad) of Rochester; and one great-grandchild,Stierlen due in February; two sisters, Marguerite "Peg" Marquette of Sacramento, CA, and Kathleen (William) Hollman of Lake City; two brothers, Francis (Rita) Schmidt of Plainview, and George Schmidt of Rochester; many nieces and nephews; and her closest and dearest friend, Lucille Kuhl.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John "Jack"; her parents; one daughter, Peggy; one granddaughter, Kelsey; two sisters, Dorothy Sexton and Elaine Dammann; and two brothers, Thomas Schmidt and John Schmidt.

A special thank you to the staff at Edenbrook of Rochester and Season's Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to the MN Braille and Talking Book Library in Faribault,MN, which provided her with hours of entertainment; or to Camp Companion for her love of animals.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 19th in River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home with Rev. Donald J. Schmitz officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.