Obituary of Patty O'Neill-McElduff

Patty O'Neill-McElduff passed away on October 5, 2023, surrounded by love and family at her home in Mountain Lakes, NJ.

She grew up in Croton-on-Hudson, NY, where her tenacious defense earned her a spot on the All-County field hockey team, then graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh, where she was equally tenacious at convincing her friends to play one more hand of cards. A former advertising executive, Patty brought her powers of persuasion to her role as community service coordinator at Mountain Lakes High School. She challenged students to believe in themselves and stretch beyond their comfort zone. Under her direction, those students made Empty Bowls the biggest fundraiser in Mountain Lakes. The Key Club she advised grew so big that general body meetings could barely fit in the MLHS cafeteria.

Patty was a do-er, a fierce competitor, a champion for her students and someone who could turn anything into a game. The life of the party. The kind of person who would knock on a stranger's door to introduce herself and ask for a house tour. She loved Keri lotion and Bonnie Raitt and undercooked brownies and half-caf lattes.

Patty was always in motion. She did not wait for the pain of her illnesses to come to her, but met it head on, on her terms. She competed in triathlons and ran marathons.  She especially loved going on walks and would stop to pick flowers or to say hi to every single person she walked by. Patty knew everybody, and if she didn't know you, she'd introduce herself.

She will be missed by her three boys, Michael Patrick (Kathleen), Matthew, and James; her husband, Michael; her father, Hugh O'Neill; her brothers, Danny (Michele), Paul (Kyla), Chris (Ruth), and John O'Neill; and lots of beloved cousins, nieces and nephews, and extended family. Plus all of the many, many students who found guidance and affirmation in her office at Mountain Lakes High School.

Patty's favorite place in the world was Island Beach in Mountain Lakes - that's where we'll be celebrating her life, from 2-6pm on Saturday, October 21st. Wear your party clothes (colors appreciated) and introduce yourself to someone new. This will be rain or shine - a tent and building are available for guests.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Medical Needs Foundation in memory of Patty O'Neill-McElduff.