Maureen O’Neill, cancer victim and Hospice of the North Shore patient, died 20 years ago today, May 9, 2003.
In January 2003, I contacted the Danvers-based hospice now known as Care Dimensions about the possibility of following the life and trials of one of their patients. They introduced me to Danvers resident Maureen O’Neill.
I spent the majority of my time with Maureen, at her house and beyond, from the time she returned home from Salem Hospital to the moment of her death.
I often think about the first time I met Maureen.
In order for this project to go forward, Maureen insisted on meeting with me first and seeing some of my photography work. I brought my photo portfolio to Salem Hospital, just a few days before she was to be released to the peaceful confines of her home.
Maureen chose to bypass chemotherapy to die at home with her 92- year-old mother at her side.
One of the first photos in that portfolio was a mother duckling and her babies crossing a busy street in Waltham. Maureen loved the photo as she was a huge bird lover. We hit it off from that moment forward.
The following photos are dedicated to Maureen’s loyal friends and family, Care Dimensions, and most of all, Maureen, who wanted to show the benefits and dignity of dying at home.
Above & below: Cancer victim Maureen O’Neill, wishing to die at home with her mother, returns home from the hospital after realizing Chemotherapy was not going to work against her cancer.
![00002388-Hospice-002](https://i0.wp.com/www.pictureboston.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Maureen02.jpg?resize=338%2C520)
“Don’t worry Mum, we will get thru this” Maureen O’Neill (above) returns from the hospital greeted by her 92 yr old mother Ann
![00002388-Hospice-004](https://i0.wp.com/www.pictureboston.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Maureen04.jpg?resize=520%2C388)
After a difficult morning, Maureen O’Neill is instructed on her medicine usage by Hospice Nurse Ann-Marie DePaolo.
![00002388-Hospice-006](https://i0.wp.com/www.pictureboston.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Maureen06.jpg?resize=520%2C496)
Maureen O’Neill celebrates what would be her last birthday, her 63rd, with Josh, her friend’s grandson.
![00002388-Hospice-009](https://i0.wp.com/www.pictureboston.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Maureen09.jpg?resize=520%2C348)
As friend Bob Supino places one hand on Maureen’s forehead and one hand on her pulse, Maureen O’Neill dies in her Danver’s living room with best friend Glenda, mother Ann and Hospice Nurse Ann-Marie DePaolo at her side.
Tags: Care Dimensions, Danvers, Death, Dying, home, Hospice of the North Shore, Mark Garfinkel, Massachusetts, Maureen O'Neill
Thank you for publishing such a moving portrayal of Maureen’s final journey. We’re glad we were able to honor her wish to die at home with dignity.
Sorry I am getting back to you so late on this reply.
Thank you so much for writing. I loved hanging out with Maureen. I say it that way because there was no generation gap between us. She loved life and simply wanted to get the hospice story to print. Best, Mark
Beautifully done, Mark. Very poignant. very touching.
Thank you!!!
Such a beautiful and sad story Mark. God bless you for doing this story and showing how someone can die as they wish so much dignity. We should all have this choice in the end. May Maureen Rest in peace!
Thank you, Mary Ellen!
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