Leigh O'Neal Obituary

Leigh Ann Soupene O'Neal, of Brookfield, IL, formerly of Anamosa Iowa, succumbed to cancer in her home, 8/4/09, surrounded by her family. A memorial service celebrating Leigh's life will be held Friday 8/14/09, 8 pm, at Hitzeman Funeral Home Ltd., 9445 West 31st Street, Brookfield, IL. Visitation will be prior to the memorial service, 4 pm to 8 pm. Information 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com. Surviving Leigh are her husband Kevin, their children Rebecca and Henry, at home; her parents Macey and William Soupene, Anamosa; her brothers Robert (Julie), Anamosa; James, Reno, Nevada; John (Amy), Ankeny, Iowa; mother-in-law Florence O'Neal and brothers-in-law Charles (Betty); and Joseph, all of West Palm Beach, Florida. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Leigh was born in the early morning hours, the day after Christmas, 1965, in Englewood, Colorado. She graduated from Anamosa High School, 1984. She was graduated in 1988 with her Bachelor of Science in Education Degree from Cornell College. She and Kevin O'Neal of West Palm Beach Florida married on 6/11/88 in Anamosa, Iowa. She was employed as the Associate Manager of Fuji Film of America, Chicago. For the past several years, she was a "stay at home mom" and was employed by Spencer Stuart of Chicago as an information research specialist. Leigh excelled at art and the making of pottery. She actively involved herself in her children's schools and their activities, especially gymnastics, football, and baseball. She loved her three dogs and her cat. She surrounded herself with multiple friends, many of whom gave her special care and attention during her illness. A memorial fund for her children has been established. "When our mortal eyes close on this world for the last time, our angels open our spiritual eyes and escort us personally before the face of God."