Florence Rottleb O'Neill

Florence “Tootsie” “Flo” O’Neill was born April 2, 1938, to parents Arthur and Dorothy Rottleb in Philadelphia, PA. She passed away November 10, 2022, at the age of 84. Flo lived in Upper Darby when she was pre-school age, and subsequently moved to Lakewood, N.J. Her father was a professional pianist, composer, arranger and performer, and was originally from Germany. Flo was an only child, and her Aunt Marguerite participated in her upbringing. She was confirmed in the Catholic Church in the early 50's. She played trombone in the school band and taught herself to play piano. Flo loved art and became a talented oil painter. She graduated from Lakewood High School in the Class of 1956. She married John Howard O'Neill of Bayhead, N.J., on June 28, 1958. They had three sons, John Howard Jr. (1960), Thomas Lee (1961), and James Carrigan (1965). The family lived in Willow Grove, PA from 1960-5, moved to Warrington, PA from 1965-74, and to Columbus, NJ from 1974-84. Florence received her BS degree in Mathematics from Ursinus College in 1973. She took additional courses in Education at Penn State Ogontz Campus and received a teacher’s certificate and license. Florence also became certified in special education. She taught in a variety of schools during her career including Northern Burlington County Regional High School in Columbus NJ, Trenton NJ, Philadelphia PA, and finally in Frederick Maryland. Flo had the privilege to live in a revolutionary war area home on Elfreth's Alley in Philadelphia, as well as in Annapolis, Maryland, and Harper's Ferry, West Virginia. She retired at the age of 68 in 2006. Flo continued her oil painting throughout her adult life and her artwork adorns the walls of the homes of her children and grandchildren. She loved dogs, and we remember Mandy, Barnaby, Dolly, Jaque, Willy and Dixon. Flo loved music, was an avid Beatles fan, frequented the Walnut Street Theatre, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. She was a traveler and visited the UK, Paris France, Florence Italy, Berlin Germany, and Australia. Flo toured the continental United States in her conversion van with her dog Dixon following her retirement. Florence was pre-deceased by her parents; her son, Thomas Lee (1961-2003); and her husband, John (1936-2011). She is survived by her son, John Howard Jr. (62) and his wife, Josephine and her son, James Carrigan (57) and his wife, Cindy. Flo has 9 grandchildren: Jonathan, Ian, Trevor, and Sara (John); Janine, Jaqueline and Frida (Thomas); and Patrick and Katie (James). She has 4 great-grandchildren: Chloe (Jonathan); Harper and James (IV) Headley (Sara); and Wren (Patrick). Florence's life will be celebrated by her family and friends at a private Mass of Christian Burial on December 13, 2022, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Middletown, DE. Her remains will be interred on a later date at Atlantic City Cemetery Association, in Pleasantville, NJ. To send an online condolence, visit www.stranofeeley.com

Florence Rottleb O'Neill

April 2, 1938 - November 10, 2022

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