Kirsten Marian (Klaudi) O'Neill

We are saddened to announce the death of Kirsten Marian O'Neill (neé Klaudi).  She passed away unexpectedly and quickly in the early hours of Saturday, September 21.  Kirsten was born in Denmark on July 20, 1950, and immigrated to Canada as a child.  She met her loving husband, Don O'Neill on June 22, 1968, while serving as a maid of honor at the wedding of her sister, Anne.  Kirsten and Don had five children: Pete, Mike, Jonathan, Rob and Kylie. They were passionate about raising a family, giving their children a wonderful upbringing, and instilling their values.

Some years ago, Kirsten lost her son, Jonathan, but she kept his memory very much alive.  A few years later, Don passed away as well.  While Kirsten deeply mourned their loss, she also was a role model in resilience.  Her life force was spectacular.  She expanded her community of devoted friends to include a large crew originally from Look Out London.  Her friends - both lifelong and more recent - meant the world to her and she talked about them all the time.

Kirsten's family has grown and flourished, and she has many grandchildren.  Peter and Melanie are parents to Katlyn, Jade, Kaylan, and Bella.  Mike and Tara have two children:  Emma-J and Keegan.  Rob and Chelsey have a wonderful daughter on the way.  And Kylie and Seamus have Flynn and Nolan.  Both children and grandchildren will miss Kirsten dearly.

Kirsten loved her community and played a central role in the wider Klaudi clan.  She had an enormous network of friends and derived meaning and satisfaction in finding small and large ways of connecting directly and deeply with other people.  She loved adventure and nature.  She was concerned about protecting the environment, recycled religiously, supported the Green Party, and lived in accordance with her values to ensure a green future for her children and grandchildren.

Kirsten loved her siblings: Chris, Inge, Anne, Kim and Bo (who passed away some years ago).  She and her sisters had many adventures that took her to Newfoundland, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, the St. Lawrence, Ireland, Australia and the Caribbean.  Her siblings will greatly miss her loving, fun spirit, and her creative stick people art.

If you wish to make a donation in her honour, knowing Kirsten’s passion for the environment, we ask that you do not send flowers. Rather, a donation to Ducks Unlimited or Wildlife Conservation Society Canada would be a fitting tribute to her memory.

A celebration of life will be held at Purple Hill Country Hall, 20903 Purple Hill Road, Thorndale from 1-5, Sunday September 29th.