Erin Leigh O'Neill

June 13, 1977 - April 09, 2026

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Obituary for Erin Leigh O'Neill

Erin Leigh O’Neill of Melrose, MA, formerly of Milton, passed away suddenly on Thursday, April 9, 2026.

Erin was born on June 13, 1977 in Boston, MA. At age six, her family moved to Milton, MA, where she attended Milton Public Schools until high school, when she graduated from Notre Dame Academy in Hingham, MA before going on to attend the Rhode Island School of Design and the University of Massachusetts Boston, where she earned her degree in art and education.

After college, Erin began her career as an art teacher, working at St. Agatha’s, Lynn Public Schools, South Shore Collaborative, and Woburn Public Schools. Erin embodied enduring patience and compassion working with all types of students and had a special talent working with nonverbal students and those with severe developmental disabilities, a skill reflective of the gentle being that Erin was. She truly believed that anyone could be an artist and took great joy in working with – and learning from – her students.

Erin was blessed with a sharp wit, a wicked sense of humor, and exquisitely curly hair, which she began straightening into submission as soon as she could hold a hot tool. Her sense of style was intrepid; wardrobe fundamentals included leopard print and concert tees, accented with dashes of bold color atop a solid base of black. At a young age, Erin mastered the art of makeup application, though she hardly needed it – her beauty radiated from the inside out, from her sparkling green eyes to her glowing skin, but it was her broad smile that made everyone feel warm and welcome in her presence.

Fashion-forward as she was, Erin also enjoyed nature and being outdoors. She adored her trips to the beach in Rhode Island as much as her visits to the farm in Delaware. She was a lover of all animals and caregiver to many – cats, guinea pigs, and dogs, including her beloved Biff, whose name was tattooed over her heart (where it remained hidden from her parents for many years) and Chauncey, her forever loved Boston Bulldog.

Erin was also passionate about painting, drawing, reading, and music, but her greatest loves of all were her twin sons, Bailey and Callum. Together, they were perpetually making art; learning about science, history, and animals; and crabbing or searching for shells and sea glass on the rocks in front of their favorite cottage in Middletown, RI.

In addition to her beloved sons, Bailey and Callum O'Neill Murray, Erin is survived by her parents, Frank and Juanita O’Neill of Milton, MA; her brother, Michael O’Neill of Sausalito, CA; her aunts and uncles, Jim O’Neill (Sandy), Maura Overlan and Gilbert, James, and Dale (Mary) McBroom, Debby and (Terry) Miller, and Bonnie Webb; her kindred O’Neill cousins across Massachusetts and Rhode Island; her McBroom cousins in Delaware; and many, many friends who were like family.

Visiting hours at Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Avenue, EAST MILTON SQUARE Wednesday, April 15, 4 – 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, April 16 at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Gregory Church, 2215 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, followed by interment at Milton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Art Department at Woburn Public Schools, 55 Locust Street, Woburn, MA 01801.

Services

15 Apr

Visiting Hours

04:00 PM - 07:00 PM

Dolan Funeral Homes and Cremation Services - EAST MILTON SQUARE 460 Granite Avenue Milton, MA 02186 Get Directions »
16 Apr

Mass of Christian Burial

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Saint Gregory Church 2215 Dorchester Avenue Dorchester, MA 02124 Get Directions »
16 Apr

Interment

11:15 AM - 11:30 AM

Milton Cemetery 211 Centre Street Milton, MA 02186 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Tributes

  • 5 TREES

    Carolyn Hart planted 5 trees in memory of Erin Leigh O'Neill . - April 17, 2026

  • 10 TREES

    Deanne Hart planted 10 trees in memory of Erin Leigh O'Neill . - April 15, 2026

Condolences

  • April 17, 2026

    Chris Wood

    Dear Juanita and Frank, your world language family is terribly saddened by this unfathomable loss. I so vividly remember Juanita's recounting of Erin's commitment to her teaching and her art and we followed with joy the stories of her children. Now our thoughts are with them and with you.

  • April 17, 2026

    Laura Faherty

    I'm so very sorry to see this news. I have so many fond memories of Erin, my sweet childhood friend. We spent so many afternoons walking back and forth between our houses, laughing, joking, and sharing secrets. Rest in peace my friend. Prayers to all of her family. -Laura Faherty (DeBesse)

  • April 16, 2026

    Carolyn Hart

    I'll never forget running into Erin outside the Orpheum at a Courtney Love concert! She was such a delight! I am going to miss her. Cousin Carolyn

  • April 16, 2026

    Chris Alberg

    Dear Juanita and Frank, I have no words with which to express my sadness at this news. My deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved Erin. May the memories of all the happy family times carry you through this dark period. Sending love. Chris Alberg

  • April 15, 2026

    Jennifer Murray

    I remember Erin fondly from our days at NDA Hingham. She was a very kind gentle soul. Sending my sincere condolences. Jen Murray '95

  • April 15, 2026

    Georgio Broufas

    I'll never forget getting stuck on the elevator at Ford school with Erin. We made the best of it. She was the first art teacher I worked with at Lynn public schools. We always had great conversation and some good laughs. May you rest in peace, you will be missed very much.

  • April 14, 2026

    Thelxi Cote

    I worked with Erin at Ford School in Lynn. She was a very kind, talented and patient teacher. She will be missed! Rip

  • April 14, 2026

    Bonnie & Ricky

    Erin was a Beautiful person inside and out. My heart breaks because she's no longer with us, But she will always be with us in our hearts and memories forever. She was a Wonderful mother to her two sweet boys, and she loved them so very much, as they did her. I use to love it when Erin, her mom and the boys would come to Md and spend some time with us, we would take the boys to the park that was close by and watch them play on the Monkey bars and other things. We would walk on the path through the woods,They had so much fun!! Those are the memories I will always cherish and keep in my heart forever!

  • April 14, 2026

    Raquel Espinosa

    Erin and I were more than neighbors, we were friends. She was so special to me in so many ways, a caring thoughtful and sweet soul. I will always cherish our talks in the backyard, the little gifts left on my door for me and the kids, her love for animals and art. Erin mi amiga, I will truly miss you and never forget how sweet you were to my family and I. Juanita and family and her beautiful boys I am so sorry for your loss. Erin wasn't just my neighbor she was truly a special friend. 💕

  • April 13, 2026

    Bonnie & Ricky

    Our Sweet Beautiful Erin. You will be missed so very much. We all loved it when you, mom and your sweet boys would come to De and spend time with us. You are such a Beautiful Person inside and out. You were also the most wonderful mom to your boys. I cant say enough about you, You were just the Best, We all love you so very much, You will so sadly be missed, But never ever forgotten. Until we meet again my Adorable Special Neice!! Your a Beautiful person inside and out. You will be sadley missed so much, But you will always and forever be in our thoughts and prayers

  • April 13, 2026

    Michael Avola

    My dear Juinta and Frank and Michael and family I am so sorry for your loss prayers and thoughts are with all of you Erin had a beautiful smile and personality she will be missed rest in peace 🙏 ♥️💔 Fondly Michael Avola