Noreen Clare (Sullivan) O’Neil, 84, passed away peacefully Saturday, June 6, 2026 surrounded by family. Noreen leaves behind a life filled with love, strength, and devotion to family, all animals, and the Coggeshall Avenue neighborhood she helped shape.
Born on what became Veterans Day in 1941 and baptized on D-Day, Noreen grew up on Tuckerman Ave in Middletown, attending St Josephs in grade school and Rogers High School. While in high school, Noreen was known for her “bangles & bracelets” and was among a select few to be chosen a “Breck Girl” from a nationwide search.
After high school, Noreen moved to Boston. There she met and married Stephen W. Wight, Sr, the father of her two boys.
From 1965 to 1971, Noreen worked as the Office Manager for the Newport Jazz Festival based in Boston and Newport, where she played an important behind-the-scenes role during a vibrant and memorable era. Her organization, dedication, and steady presence helped support the many moving parts that brought the festival to life. One of her fondest memories was attending Woodstock by helicopter and the numerous famous or soon-to-be famous musicians she met.
On her return to Newport, Noreen worked in real estate and became a talented property developer. Starting by acquiring a 7-unit apartment house at age 28. From there she dedicated her efforts to the development and expansion of the properties she acquired.
Noreen was an avid gardener and a gourmet cook. Above all Noreen was a devoted animal and cat lover. She had a gentle heart for animals and a special kindness that made them feel safe and cared for. Her love for cats both domestic and wild was especially meaningful and remained a cherished part of who she was.
The original Newport cat lady, Noreen, was known to track down the clerks at Almac’s and b multiple cases so she could donate to shelters. She was also personally responsible for capturing, neutering (vet on retainer 🙂 and releasing all the male feral cats in the Almy Pond area to guard against their unsustainable population growth.
Noreen was predeceased by her husband J. Alan O’Neil. She leaves behind her two sons, Stephen W. Wight and David W. Wight, both of Newport, RI; four grandchildren (Jillian Caldwell, Madison Wight, Sarah Wight, and Charles Wight); and three great-grandchildren.
She will be remembered for her love of animals, great food, and white wine on ice. Her independence, her work ethic, and the care she gave to those around her. She was one of a kind, for her generation, and her memory will live on through her family and all who met knew and loved her.
Visiting hours will be held Monday, June 15 from 4-7pm at the O’Neill-Hayes Funeral Home, 465 Spring St, Newport. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Potter League for Animals, 87 Oliphant Lane, Middletown, RI 02842.
