Evelyn “Kay” O’Neill, 72, of Ocean Isle Beach, NC passed away peacefully on January 17, 2023, after a three-year battle with breast cancer. She was born in Wake County, NC, on July 7, 1950, to the late David Harrison Peebles and Frances Selby Peebles. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a grandson, Jake Alexander O’Neill.

Kay lived life to the fullest. She could often be found having fun, laughing, dancing, and listening to music with friends. She was stunning inside and out—always impeccably dressed and quick to smile. She loved shopping, interior decorating and spoiling her grandchildren.

Her sense of humor was contagious, and she had a quick wit. Her heart was so full of kindness that she made friends everywhere she went, including many through her work.

Kay spent more than 30 years working for a publishing company, serving as Publisher for one magazine and Associate Publisher for two. She traveled the world on business, making friends on several continents. She was a savvy businesswoman, always achieving the best results for her clients and magazines. Kay was adored by all, and if you were lucky enough to know her, you can still hear her saying, “You are too funny.”

No matter how far and wide Kay traveled, she was always eager to return home to her beloved husband of 43 years and her pride and joy—her children and grandchildren—with lots of souvenirs in tow and plenty of funny stories.

She is survived by her husband, Don Michael “Mike” O’Neill; her daughter and husband, Laura and Erin Douna, of Ocean Isle Beach; her son and wife, Ryan and Megan O’Neill, of Hickory; her stepson and wife, Don Michael and Marie O’Neill, of Monroe; her brother and wife, David and Regina Peebles, of Raleigh and her grandchildren, Abigail, Finley, Webb, Aubrey, Reagan, and Michael Wayne. She deeply loved all her family members, and her legacy will live on through them.

Services will be on Saturday, February 4, 2023, at 1:00 pm at the Ocean Isle Beach Chapel. A celebration of life will be held afterwards at Amelia’s Restaurant.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Foundation, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC, 28401, or online at lifecare.org.