Karen O'Neil

Karen B. O'Neil, 54, of Center Conway died December 19, 2009 at her home following a long illness. Born in Lowell MA, the daughter of Theodore and Stella (Kalanzakos) Hantzes, she grew up in Chelmsford MA, graduated from Bridgewater State College and taught at St. Edward's School in Brockton, MA before moving to the Mount Washington Valley 22 years ago.

Karen was a reading specialist at the John Fuller School in North Conway where she also directed many school theatrical productions. Karen was very active in the local theater community. A gifted actress, she has performed with the Mount Washington Valley Theatre Company, the Resort Players, and M&D Productions. She was also a costume designer and producer with of the Resort Players of Mount Washington Valley.

An avid sports fan, Karen was dubbed "The Queen of Red Sox Nation" by her family.

Karen's enthusiastic and kind spirit touched many lives during her lifetime and she will be sorely missed by her family, friends, colleagues and students.

The family includes her husband, Dennis F. O'Neil of Center Conway; two sons, Daniel P. O'Neil of Burlington, VT and Theodore D. O'Neil of Center Conway; a granddaughter, Keira Mae O'Neil of Burlington, VT; her mother, Stella Hantzes of Chelmsford, MA; two sisters, Ellen Hantzes of Chelmsford, MA and Elizabeth Sansoucy of Oakham, MA and several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday December 23, 2009 at 11 a.m. in the Our Lady of the Mountains Church in North Conway. Calling hours will be Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Furber and White Funeral Home in North Conway.

Donations may be sent to the New England Organ Donor Bank in Karen's memory.