Caryl L O'Neil

Caryl L. (Messier) O’Neil, 87, of Athol, passed from this life Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at her home surrounded by her loved ones.

Born in Winchendon on July 31, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Nelson L. and Myra “Blanche” (Holmes) Messier. She graduated from Murdock High School with the Class of 1952.

Caryl was a parishioner of Annunciation Parish/Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church of Gardner. She enjoyed dancing, playing the piano (by ear), fishing, gardening, and dining out. Caryl loved to travel, visiting many exciting places throughout her life. Her greatest joy was when she was with her family and friends, always treasuring the special times together.

Caryl is survived by her daughter, Colleen L. Laperriere and her husband Frederick of Gardner; her son, Shawn A. O’Neil of Athol; five grandchildren, Cara R. Laperriere of Athol; Lauren A. Laperriere of Gardner; Alyssa M. Imbo of Brooklyn, NY; Ashley M. O’Neil of Brooklyn, NY; and Shannon M. Nappila of Church Hill, TN; four great-grandchildren, Jaxson T. Laperriere, Joseph A. Imbo, K-leigh Nappila, and Kelsey Nappila; two sisters, Marilyn B. Keresey of Winchendon, and Lynette M. Plaxton and her husband Gary of Gold Beach, OR; a brother, Nelson E. “Bud” Messier and his wife Karole of Westminster; a special niece, Donna L. MacAdams of Athol; a sister-in-law, Amanda M. Huntoon of Gold Beach, OR; a family friend, Tanya L. Holden, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Caryl was predeceased by her beloved husband and soulmate, John T. O’Neil, Jr.; two brothers, Carl E. Messier and David A. Huntoon; a sister-in-law, Lillian I. Messier; a daughter-in-law, Josephine M. Cerrato-O’Neil; and a grandson, Shane R. French.

The family will be forever grateful to Cara, Donna, and Tanya for the daily loving and compassionate care they provided for Caryl.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, January 27, 2022, from the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA, with a Mass at 11:00 AM in Annunciation Parish at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, 135 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA. Burial will be held in the spring.

A Calling Hour will be held Thursday, January 27, 2022, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM in the funeral home.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Athol Fire/EMT, 2251 Main Street, Athol, MA 01331. Contributions may also be made to the ASPCA, PO Box 96929, Washington, DC 20090 or on their website at (www.ascpca.org) or to any local organization that supports animal welfare. Please reference in memory of Caryl L. O’Neil.