Marifran O’Neil, 1940 – 2017
Our friend Marifran O’Neil died yesterday morning.
A teacher in Brooklyn NY, Maryland, Illinois and her native St. Louis Missouri, Marifran was the wife of writer / editor and ComicMix columnist Denny O’Neil, whose column normally runs in this space at this time.
Born February 10, 1940, Marifran and Denny were childhood sweethearts who became separated by time and distance. They reconnected in the 1990s and were married in 2009; a true story of love and romance. I know first-hand; Denny and Marifran got back together when Denny and I were sharing an office at DC Comics at the time. Upon reuniting with Marifran, Denny immediately morphed into a man completely and hopelessly in love.
She had that impact not only on Denny but on all of us. A charming person and a wonderful conversationalist, I looked forward to seeing her at various comics conventions and social gatherings, including Martha Thomases’ legendary Hanukkah donut party, the annual salon of New York comics people. Marifran’s presence made each meeting an event.
Marifran had two daughters, Meg and Beth, who live and work in Portland and Nevada respectively.
Trying to avoid an overused meme is impossible: Marifran truly was a special and unique person, and we will miss her greatly.
Our condolences to Denny and her family ð¢
My sincere and deepest condolences for Denny, his family, friends and colleagues.
Awww!
Very sad to hear…Marifran was a wonderful lady.
My condolences to Denny and her friends and family. ð¢I remember her well from my DC days. What a lovely woman. ð¹
sympathy and condolences to denny and family for the loss of a loved one and no doubt a wonder ful lady and person
Shawn, it was Denny and Marifran who suggested I take up your kind offer to guest at your show this year. I had a great time, but now that you mention it, it was the last gift Marifran gave me. And that is very, very sweet.