Verna Belle (Gould) O’Neill

Age 100, of Saugus, passed away peacefully at home on January 7, 2022, surrounded by her children. She was the wife of the late John J. O’Neill and the late George O. Hilton.
Verna was born in Princeton, ME on November 7, 1921 to Mona and Chester Gould, parents of 10 children. Verna graduated Salutatorian from Princeton High School in 1939. She then moved to Lynn, and eventually became a Heliarc Welder at the General Electric Company with over 30 years of service. Verna, affectionately known as “Ma,” retired in 1978 and began her second career as a volunteer Family Advocate for Domestic Violence in the Lynn Court System, for over 12 years. She was a volunteer Aerobics Instructor at the Saugus Senior Center for over 20 Years, stepping down at the age of 85. She was also a Certified Lay Minister at Trinity Methodist Church in Lynn, until its closing in 2011.
Ma’s hobbies included knitting, crocheting, ceramics, and cooking (famous for her Italian spaghetti sauce and her scrumptious chocolate cream pies.) She just loved Keno. Ma was also a member of Mina Perry’s Bellydancing Troupe for over 20 years.
Ma will be forever loved and missed by her children: Barbara Brewer of Middleton, George Hilton and wife Janet of Georgetown, Lee Hathaway of Saugus and Son-In-Law Barry Hathaway and wife Linda of Topsfield. She was predeceased by her son-in-law, Donald Brewer. We would have no other for our mother.
Ma will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren: Michael Marren of Lynn, David Marren and wife Rona of York, SC, Barry Hathaway of Saugus, David Hathaway and wife Andrea of Nahant, Rachel Dulong and husband Daniel of Lynn and Joshua Hilton and wife Beth of Danvers.
Ma loved her great-grandchildren: Ryan, Kylie, Violet Verna, Wyatt, Anabelle, Gwendolyn, Abigail and Harrison. She is survived by her brothers Rev. Gorham Gould and wife Majorie of Nashua, NH, Fred Gould and wife Joyce of Beverly, MA, and Sister-In-Law June Messier of Wells, ME.
A family gathering will held at a later date, due to COVID-19. Memorial donations may be given to the Saugus Senior Center in Saugus, 466 Central Street, Saugus, MA 01906.