Nancy O'Neil Rathburn

“Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8

Nancy O’Neil Rathburn, age 83, passed away peacefully Thursday, January 23, 2025 in Jacksonville, FL after a 30-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease; she was surrounded by her loving children and brother in her final days.

Born to John W. and Dorothy (Merrell) O’Neil on August 23, 1941, Nancy grew up in St. Louis, MO and was a proud graduate of Mary Institute in 1959. She spent her first two years of college at DePauw University where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta, then transferred to Washington University where she earned a Bachelor’s in Education in 1963. Nancy wed Thomas M. Rathburn in December 1966. They were happily married for nearly 51 years until Tom’s passing in 2017, raising three children: Betsy, Mike, and Robb.

Initially a middle school teacher upon graduating from college, Nancy went on to earn a Master’s in Counseling at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and spent her remaining career as a marriage and family therapist doing what she did best: listening with compassion and holding space for others to find the best in themselves and their relationships. Even with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease in 1993, Nancy became a certified Kripalu yoga instructor in 1997. She taught yoga for over 20 years, both at studios where she lived in upstate New York and in Jacksonville where she and Tom moved in 2002 to be closer to their first grandchild. Nancy maintained joy in her practice even after her disease progressed, and she went on to teach Chair Yoga for others with physical limitations at the Neptune Beach Senior Center, as well as at Parkinson’s Moving Day at the University of North Florida. Nancy also participated in Race for the Cure events as a two-time breast cancer survivor.

Whether it was being a part of neighborhood social groups and book clubs, founding a Parkinson’s Support Group at Cypress Village Retirement Community or cheering her grandchildren on at their sporting events, Nancy’s love of her family and life touched everyone she knew. She was kind and infinitely patient and was a lover of all dogs, occasions that called for dancing, and anything chocolate. A beloved mother, Nonny and sister, she always put her family above all else, teaching us the importance of celebrating the people we love. Nancy is survived by her daughter Betsy (Shawn) and sons Mike and Robb (Rosie); her six grandchildren: Casey, Connor, Marlowe, Finn, Jamie and Quinn; and her brothers Jack (Pam) and Robert (Barbara) O’Neil.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 10th at the First Congregational Church of St. Louis, where Nancy and generations of her family have attended. Contributions in her memory may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at michaeljfoxfoundation.org/give or the Jacksonville Humane Society at jaxhumane.org/donate.