Arlene T. O'Neill

Arlene (Talty) O’Neill, 85, of Bedford died unexpectedly on February 21, 2023. Born in Manchester, N.H. on September 27, 1937, she was the daughter of Francis X. and Catherine A. (McIntyre) Talty.

Arlene grew up in Manchester and attended Saint Raphael Grammar School and Manchester High School West where she was a majorette and earned many class superlatives.  She graduated in 1955, then began working for New England Telephone & Telegraph while attending night classes at St. Anselm College where she met the love of her life, Bob O’Neill.  They married in 1962 and spent 60 magnificent years together.  

Known to many as “Arlzie”, “Bob’s bride”, and “Mrs. O” she and her recently deceased husband, Bob O’Neill resided in Bedford for over 50 years.  She loved spending time with Bob and all of their friends and family.  Whether it was a day at the beach or a social gathering, Arlzie was known for gravitating toward anyone with a quick wit or a captivating story. Her laugh was contagious and she especially relished “her Bob’s” amusing and comical jokes and stories.  Although she’d heard these numerous times, she would laugh as though she had first heard the story or joke, while giving anyone in her presence an “eye roll” with the quick comment… “Like I’ve never heard that one before!”  She loved and cherished her husband and family.

Above all else, Arlene enjoyed being a full-time mom.  She adored volunteering in the Bedford Schools where her children were educated.  She shared her endearing demeanor and her spunky, and vibrant personality by helping in the classrooms and the school library.  Arlene also took delight in working around her beautiful yard as well as helping Bob teach their children how to ski at McIntyre Ski Area (named after her Great Uncle, T. Edward McIntyre).  She volunteered countless hours at the Bedford Bluffs assisting with swim team meets and other opportunities to help with her childrens’ summer activities. A little later in life, she loved working as a Merchandiser for American Greetings.  She was a very dependable employee and she took pride in this job for over 20 years.

Arlene spent her winters relaxing with Bob in the warm Florida sunshine.  She met many wonderful people down there and she enjoyed the innumerable delightful times she spent with them.

Arlene leaves behind her children, Patrick O’Neill (Manchester N.H.), Maureen O’Neill McMillan (Lighthouse Point, Fl.), Erin O’Neill Caron (Manchester N.H.), her husband, Ronald Caron, and her granddaughter, Brooke O’Neill.  Other cherished family members include her sister, Joan Drescher (Nashua, N.H.) and  her deceased husband David Drescher.  Arlene also leaves behind many adored nieces and nephews on her side as well as Bob’s side of the family.

May “Bobby Blue Eyes” and “Arlzie Baby” be flawlessly Jitterbugging among friends and family in Heaven.

Funeral services for both she and her beloved husband, Bob will be held privately at the family’s convenience.  The O’Neill’s hope that family and friends will join them at a Celebration of Life to be scheduled at a later date.  They look forward to sharing stories together and commemorating two very prosperous and joyous lives.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to The American Breast Cancer Foundation.