Carolyn Adele O'Neal

Carolyn Adele O’Neal, age 89, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 10, 2025. Born on September 5, 1935, in Louisville, Carolyn was the daughter of Albert and Louise (Tobaben) Lotze and was a proud graduate of Atherton Girls High School.

In 1958, Carolyn married Harvey O’Neal, and their loving partnership endured until his passing in 1984. Carolyn began her professional journey in 1955 as a secretary, eventually becoming the Executive Secretary at Owens-Illinois Bottling Company, where she enjoyed the camaraderie with her colleagues and the connections she made in her role as a key supplier for Brown-Foreman.

A devoted family member, Carolyn cherished her sisters, Barbie and Margie, and her relatives from Harvey’s family. While she did not have children of her own, she embraced her role as a fun aunt, showering her nieces and nephews with love and attention. Additionally, Carolyn had a fondness for dogs and enjoyed their companionship throughout her life.

Carolyn was active in her community and church, joining Southeast Christian in the mid-1970s. Her love for sports was evident, as she enjoyed bowling, playing basketball during her teens, and was an ardent fan of professional football, particularly of the Cleveland Browns. She held a special place in her heart for the Kentucky Derby and was an enthusiastic admirer of Secretariat.

Throughout her life, Carolyn loved to entertain and brought people together with her warm hospitality, hosting countless birthday parties, holiday celebrations, and Monday night craft gatherings. She valued the friendships she built with her neighbors and friends, appreciating their visits and the kindness they showed.

Carolyn is preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Louise Lotze; her husband, Harvey O’Neal; and her siblings, Barbara Graves, Margie Berkey, and William Lotze.

She is survived by a loving network of nieces, nephews, family, and friends who will honor and cherish her memory.

Visitation will take place from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions - East Louisville (235 Juneau Drive), with a Funeral Service scheduled for 1:30 PM on the same day.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions in Carolyn’s memory be made to St. Jude's Hospital.

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