Catherine Frances (McNamara) O'Neill, of Melrose, died peacefully surrounded by family on May 24, 2017 at the age of 81. Catherine was born in Cambridge on March 31, 1936 to John & Catherine (Lyons) McNamara. She was raised in Cambridge & Somerville, and was a graduate of Somerville High School. Catherine married the late Edward J. O'Neill in 1958 at St. Anne's Church in Somerville. They enjoyed a wonderful marriage and were devoted to raising their children. Catherine was a proud resident of Melrose for 50 years. Everyone around town will surely miss her sparkling blue eyes and bright smile. Catherine enjoyed taking trips to Cape Cod, Hampton Beach, York, ME, and even made a memorable trip to Ireland. She loved the Boston Red Sox, hardly ever missing a game and could name every player on the team. She even named her dog Nomar. Although she was a huge Red Sox fan, her children & grandchildren were always number one in her heart. Over the years she attended hundreds of sporting events for her children & grandchildren, always making an effort to be there to support them. Catherine's family was the brightest part of her life. She brought out the best in all of them and was always happiest when she was surrounded by them. She will be truly missed by all who had the privilege to know her. Catherine was the beloved wife of the late Edward J. O'Neill. Loving mother of Arthur O'Neill & his wife Barbara of Melrose, Mary Battistelli & her husband David of Beverly, Catherine Martin & her husband Thomas Jr. of Canton, Joseph O'Neill & his wife Ellen of Melrose, John O'Neill & his wife Ann Marie of Stoneham, Carol Denning & her husband William Jr. of Melrose, and Robert O'Neill & his wife Rose of Wakefield. Proud & devoted grandmother of Katie, Kelly, Sean, Lauren, Brett, Erin, Allie, Jen, Kelly, Michael, Danny, Kevin, Meaghan, Molly, Mairead, Billy, Colleen, Catherine, Giuliana, Edward, and Joseph. Caring sister of Mary Passanessi, Robert McNamara, Claire Hurley, and the late Francis McNamara, Helen Fuller, and Edward McNamara. Visiting Hours will be held on Fri., May 26, 2017 from 3PM-8PM at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home on Sat., May 27, at 9 AM, followed by a 10 AM Mass of Christian Burial at Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St., Wakefield. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. Relatives & friends are respectfully invited to attend. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Catherine's name to the Melrose High School Permanent Scholarship Fund, PO Box 760695, Melrose, MA 02176.