Coleen O'Neill

Coleen O’Neill passed away quietly at home on October 21 from the effects of Bulbar Onset ALS.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 28 at 4p.m. at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home with Pastor Jason Sprinkle officiating.  Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. the day of the service at the funeral home.

Coleen was born on July 29, 1973 to George and Melody O’Neill of Seneca.  Coleen was a graduate of Seneca High School where she was inducted to the National Honor Society.  She graduated from ISU with a degree in Business Management and graduated Cum Laude.  She held many management positions throughout the years.  Her last job was as a teaching assistant at the Seneca Grade school, a job she loved very much but unfortunately had to give up as the effects of her Bulbar ALS made it difficult for her to continue to teach.

Coleen is survived by her partner Robert Hum of Seneca; her son Brandon Cade of Granville; her daughter, Abigail Cade of Seneca; and canine companion, Ginger.  She is also survived by her mother, Melody O’Neill of Ottawa; her father, George (AJ) O’Neill of Danville; her brother Pete (Kimmie) O’Neill of Wisconsin; her sister Liz(Adam) Condon of Kankakee; and her brother Quinn (Michelle) O’Neill of Marseilles; six nieces and nephews, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.  She is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Judith McIntosh of Oglesby, and Robert McIntosh of Lockport; her paternal grandparents, John and Dolores O’Neill of New Lenox and Joliet; and her sister Michelle of Joliet

Coleen enjoyed painting, traveling and camping.  She had an adventurous spirit and loved to travel.  As a huge Star Trek fan, she and her partner Bob went on many Star Trek themed cruises.  With her RV, her home away from home, she took many trips across the country with her family to see the sights from the ocean to out west.

When Coleen was diagnosed with a rare form of ALS called Bulbar Onset ALS, she was inspired to help people learn about this rare condition and to advocate for others with all forms of ALS.  Coleen used her imagination and creativity to create a Facebook support group, her website, www.gotbals-bulbar-als.com, and her videos on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@gotbals-bulbarals5528 to allow people to follow the progression of her disease and to help others and their caregivers to connect and support one another.

Coleen met adversity with strength and courage, a true fighter.  She was a kind, generous, vibrant person with an outgoing personality.  She was an inspiration to many and she made a huge impact on so many peoples lives.  She will be greatly missed by family, friends and all those who knew her.

Memorial contributions may be designated to ALS United- Greater Chicago at www.alsunitedchicago.org or “I am ALS” at www.iamals.org.