Beloved mother, friend, and teacher, Susan Beth VanVeen O’Neill passed on to her eternal reward on August 2, 2025. Her final hours were spent in the loving embrace of her three children and many dear friends.

Born in Rochester, N.Y., Susan grew up there and later attended Tarkio College in Missouri. She returned to Upstate New York, where she married and raised her three children in Syracuse. She spent several years as a devoted second-grade teacher in the Syracuse City School District before embarking on a second, fulfilling career as a massage therapist.

A dedicated volunteer, Susan served as a Crisis Counselor at Contact Community Services, offered her time and talents to Francis House, and worked tirelessly at Helping Hounds Dog Rescue.

As a Friend of Bill’s for more than 30 years, she was deeply committed to helping others on their own recovery journeys. Susan loved to travel, read, and laugh with her many book club friends in both Syracuse and Towson, MD. Eternally friendly and optimistic, she never saw a stranger—only a friend she hadn’t met yet.

Susan is survived by her three children: Kristen D’Agostino (Dave), Megan Korell (Steve), and Tom O’Neill (Crystal); and her nine cherished grandchildren: Hannah, Ryan, Elizabeth, Claire, Genevieve, Pete, Anastasia, Damien, and Alexandra.

Calling hours will be held on August 16, 2025, at St. Charles Borromeo Church from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with a funeral Mass to follow.

Donations may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute or Helping Hounds Dog Rescue