Sandra J. O'Neill

The courageous heart and beautiful smile of Sandra Jean O’Neill (Carey) were committed to our collective memories on July 29, 2026. Sandy was born on March 8, 1941 to Lorraine and Jim Carey in Oconto, WI. The oldest of eight, Sandy grew up in Stiles, WI. Her Irish Catholic family populated much of the town and its one-room schoolhouse. Fishing with her dad and extended family gatherings were her fondest childhood recollections.

Sandy married her high school sweetheart, Rick O’Neill, on June 20, 1959. After raising their three kids, she charted her own path, graduating from UW-Stevens Point in 1993. For many years, Sandy worked tirelessly for Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin championing women’s health. She loved to travel, especially journeys to Ireland where she walked in the footsteps of her ancestors. She made many new friends over the last seven winters spent in Bonita Springs, Florida. Summertime meant joyful days at the Boulder Lake cottage that she and Rick owned for over 40 years. If life has punctuation, Sandy’s children, grands, and greatgrands were her exclamation points. With an unhurried presence, she made sure her family always felt fully seen, heard, and deeply loved.

Sandy is survived by her devoted children Kerry (DeAnna) O’Neill, Erin (Doug) Mielke, and Kelly (Steve) Lagman; co-conspirator grandchildren, Jenna (Chris) Hewson, Taylor (Joey) Simon, Patrick (Bailey) Lagman, Connor (Hannah) Lagman, and Troy (Lexi) Mielke; delight-making great-grands, Will and Jack Hewson, Lylah, Harlow and Calum Lagman, and Claire Simon; beloved siblings Judy Sytsma (Pete), June Brown, Jim Carey (Marlene), Randy Carey (Val), Bob Carey (Julie); treasured cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends from every chapter of life. Sandy will be back in the loving arms of her parents, husband, and sisters Carol Evrard and Mary Beth Maciejczak.

We will celebrate Sandy’s life from 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM on Thursday, August 13, 2026 at Bubolz Nature Preserve, 4815 N Lynndale Dr, Appleton, WI 54913. A short memorial service at 10:00 AM will be followed by a casual buffet brunch. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin or Harbor House.

Sandy breathed her final breath just hours before the planned hospital discharge to her cherished Warner Creek Community. According to recent legend, Rick returned and took her home himself saying as he had countless times before, “Time to go, Sandy. Bus is leaving.”