A Death in the Diocesan Family: Deacon Jan O'Neil

Sept. 11, 2023

The Rev. Deacon Janet Anne Watson O’Neil
May 4, 1944 – September 8, 2023

We are sad to report the death of Deacon Jan O’Neil. Jan died September 8, following a five-year battle with brain cancer.

Jan and Mike O’Neil met while they were students at Lawrence University in Wisconsin. They were married in 1966 and moved to St. Louis. She continued her education at Eden Seminary in Webster Groves, Lindenwood University in St. Charles, and the University of Missouri in St. Louis. Jan and Mike had three children, Kelly, Kevin (now deceased), and Karyn.

Jan was a Spanish and English teacher at Pattonville High School and later taught Spanish at Parkway West High School. She became a licensed professional counselor and a national board-certified counselor and worked as a high school counselor in the Parkway School District.

Jan considered her work in counseling as a ministry, and went on to be ordained as a deacon in 2007 in the Diocese of Missouri. She served as a deacon in her home parish of St. Timothy’s in Creve Coeur for several years.

A memorial service for Jan will be held Saturday, Sept. 23 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, 808 N. Mason Road in Creve Coeur. Clergy are invited to vest (white stoles).

Read Jan's obituary on Legacy.com.

Rest eternal grant to her, O Lord;

And let light perpetual shine upon her.