Sylvia E O'Nell

"Palmer-Sylvia E. O'Nell (Arnio) 97 years young, born October 27, 1920 passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home surrounded by her family. Sylvia's life journey began in Port Arthur, Ontario, Canada where she was born. Soon after her parents Oscar and Alma Arnio, who had emigrated from Finland, moved to the U.S., with Sylvia and her brother Arne, all of whom predeceased her. Sylvia grew up in Moosup, CT. At the age of 16 while working at a summer camp at Twin Lakes, Salisbury, CT. she met the love of her life Wilbur O'Nell. They went to Boston to further their educations and on November 27, 1941 were married. They returned to Moosup and raised their family, later moving to Springfield, MA, and eventually to Palmer where she found fulfillment in life and great happiness. She was proud of her Finnish heritage and as a fluent speaker of the language joined the Springfield Finnish Women's Club, serving as its President for many years. She was an avid reader and volunteered at the Palmer Public Library's Library Loft. She enjoyed walking with her friends, baking, and gardening in her "berry patch" sharing the berry harvest by making jam for family and special friends. She spent much of her time in the summer at her favorite cottage get away on Lake Thompson in Palmer, where she loved to entertain, relax, and quietly enjoy doing her crossword and jigsaw puzzles surrounded by the serenity of nature. She also enjoyed time spent on Birch Island, Casco Bay, ME where she vacationed each year. Sylvia was predeceased by her husband Wilbur, daughter Kathleen, and son-in-law Charles "Chuck" Hood, Jr. She will be, deeply missed by those she cherished. Her children, son Barry O'Nell and wife Dorothy of Old Saybrook, CT, daughter Patricia and husband Paul "Ken" Gately. Grandchildren Kelley Poulopoulos and husband Ellis of Monson, MA, Charles "Buddy" Hood and fiancee Christine Day of Monson, MA, Kevin O'Nell and wife Jenna of Berwyn, PA. Lindsay Ernst and husband Graham of Hong Kong, Ryan O'Nell and wife Katie of Belmont, CA, Jimmy Magnano and wife Amanda of Park Ridge, IL, and Chris Sloane of Riverview, FL. She was extremely blessed to have 17 great grandchildren, all of whom she cherished and many who she watched grow into adulthood. One word describes Sylvia in how she lived her life “SISU” her favorite Finnish word meaning great courage and determination. The family would like to thank her special caregivers for their friendship and devotion to Sylvia. Also, they give special thanks to the Baystate Home Health and Hospice team. Visitation will be Saturday, March 10 2018, from 10- 12pm, with a Celebration of Life Service to begin at 12pm at the Beers & Story Palmer Funeral Home. For Details Please visit www.beersandstory.com In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Baystate Home Health and Hospice, 50 Maple St., Springfield, Ma, 01102, Palmer Public Library, 1455 N. Main St.,01069."