MARTHA O'NEILL

Martha A. O'Neill of Wilkes Barre, died peacefully on July 9, 2019 after a brief illness.

Martha was pre-deceased by her parents, Philip A. O'Neill & Mary (Vogel) O'Neill, her siblings, Thomas O'Neill, Mary O'Neill, Regina (O'Neill) Wheelan & George O'Neill, her nephew, George O'Neill, her great nephew, Philip O'Neill and life-partner, John (Jay) Gavula. Martha is survived by many loving family members and friends. 

For many years, Martha lived a full and colorful life in New York City, enjoying many of the entertainment options the city  has to offer. It was there that Martha met Jay, and the two remained together until his passing in 2008, several years after they returned to Wilkes Barre. 

While in NYC, Martha found her true love working for Brooks Van Horn, a theatrical costume design company which outfitted many Broadway shows. BVH also provided costumes for The Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus. The circus costumes she worked on and helped design, were truly her favorites, especially those worn by the elephants that performed in the various circus shows. Additionally, Martha worked for the New York City Police Department as an auxiliary police officer assigned to the 20th Precinct Auxiliary Police, and as a clerk working for various neighborhood grocery stores. 

Martha’s heart was forged in gold, which combined with her generosity and larger than life personality made her petite size virtually unnoticeable. The numerous stories of life and family that she shared, along with her sly smile, will be missed by all who loved her, and cherished by those who were fortunate to have known her.

Friends are invited to pay final respects at Lehman Family Funeral Home, 689 Hazle Street, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18702 on August 10, 2019 beginning at 9:00 AM. Her interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery 1594 S. Main Street, Wilkes Barre, 18706.

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