Theodora “Theo” Hanzel O’Neil

Theodora “Theo” Hanzel O’Neil, age 89, a longtime resident of Sewickley formerly of Bethel Park, passed away at Broadmore Senior Living on Monday, August 26, 2013.

She was born in Elcham, England on March 26, 1924 to the late Frank W. and Jessie Panter.

Wife of the late John “Jack” O’Neil and Lawrence “Larry” Hanzel; beloved mother of Susan "Sue" Sebolt (Daniel) of Mt. Lebanon, Stephen Hanzel (Anne) of Kennett Square, PA, Kathryn “Kate” Nicholson (John) of Oakdale and the late Andrew William Hanzel; sister of John Panter of Oakham, England and the late Julia Much and David Panter; grandmother of 7 and great grandmother of 7; also survived by 7 stepchildren and their families. 

Theo was a member of St. Stephen's Anglican Church where she created the Sermon Tape Ministry and served in their chancel ministry. She was Program Director of Passavant Homes, Rochester, PA and Allegheny Valley Junior School, Crafton. 

During World War II she helped take care of orphans transferred from London orphanages to reside temporarily in their country home. She also worked at the Army Canteen where she met her future husband, Lawrence Hanzel and thus became an English War Bride. She, along with her husband and infant daughter, Susan, traveled to America on the Queen Mary, a troop transport vessel now a luxury vessel docked in Long Beach, CA.  

Visitation Thursday 3-7 PM at Copeland’s Sewickley, 702 Beaver St. Everyone please meet at St. Stephen’s Church, 405 Frederick Ave., Sewickley, PA 15143 for funeral service on Friday at 10 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please feel welcomed to support Theo's charity of choice, The Uncommon Grounds. Donations in Theo’s name may be made to The Uncommon Grounds, 380 Franklin Ave., Aliquippa, PA 15001 uncommongroundscafe.org.