O'Neil, Theresa E. 'Ginga'

Theresa E. “Ginga” O'Neil, 89, of Cedar Rapids, died Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012, after an extended pulmonary illness. Services: 11 a.m. Monday at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories, where friends may call after 10 a.m. Monday. The Rev. Ivan Nienhaus and Penny Ackerman will officiate. Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Survivors include a daughter, Margaret “Beth” (Tim) Meran, and a granddaughter, Angela (John) Neuhaus, both of Cedar Rapids; two sisters, Loretta Perry of Hazleton and Louise (Tom) Cunningham of Cedar Rapids; and her beloved cat and companion, Sam.

She was preceded in death by four brothers, Lester, Leo, Everett and Earl Usher; and a brother-in-law, LaVerne Perry.

Theresa was born May 25, 1923, in Cedar Rapids, the daughter of Vern and Myrtle Duffy Usher. She graduated from St. Patrick's School in 1941 and began her career with Northwestern Bell. Her career took her to Rhode Island, Indiana, Colorado, Arizona, and she ultimately retired as an engineer with AT&T in San Francisco, Calif. In 1992, she returned to Cedar Rapids.

Theresa was a faithful member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church and the Telephone Pioneers. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, playing solitaire and especially the time spent with friends and beloved family.

Theresa was a thoughtful, kind and considerate person who touched the lives of all who knew her.

The family prefers flowers from the Flower Shop at Cedar Memorial Park or memorial donations to the St. Patrick's Rectory Fund.

Please leave a message or tribute to Theresa's family on the Web page, www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.

Published Dec. 28, 2012 in The Gazette