Obituary of Mahala J. O'Neil

Mahala Jean O'Neil (Sweet), 75, of Marcellus, NY continued along her eternal journey on June 25, 2025. Born June 4th, 1950 in Syracuse, NY as the daughter of an Air Force Master Sergeant, Hala traveled the world with her family before returning to the Syracuse area in 1964 where she attended and graduated from East Syracuse Minoa high school. She met her husband, Thomas O'Neil, when they both worked at the Syracuse Developmental Center in the 1970s. She later worked within the banking industry and as a medical biller at Pediatric Associates in Camillus, NY where she never met a baby she didn't love. Hala was a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church of Marcellus where she sang in the choir for 30 years and was a beloved part of the congregation's soul.

Predeceased by her mother, Lois Sweet, father Redfield "Tad" Sweet, and sister Deborah Roe, Hala is survived by her husband Thomas O'Neil; daughter Emily O'Neil (Kris); brother Tim Sweet (Patty); sisters Libby Wright (Jon) and Becca Johnson (John); a very good dog Gracie; 8 wiley grandcats; and dozens of nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones to carry and share her memory among them.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the nurses and staff at The Commons on St. Anthony's in Auburn, NY for caring for Hala as much as they did.

Calling hours will be held at the First Presbyterian Church on the corner of Main St. and North St. in Marcellus, NY, on Saturday, July 5th from 10:30am-11:45am with a service immediately following at noon. Family and friends will gather for food and fellowship following the service in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sleep in Heavenly Peace online at https://donate.shpnysyr.org or by mail at 201 W Genesee St. #241 Fayetteville, NY 13066.