Barbara Maxwell O’Neill

SHARON — Barbara Maxwell O’Neill passed away on June 7, 2025, in Danbury at the age of 89.

Born on March 6, 1936, in St. Louis, Missouri, Barbara was the daughter of Robert Joseph Maxwell and Audrey Leona Knueppe Maxwell. She graduated from Jennings High School and earned a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Missouri in Columbia in 1958.

Barbara began her career with KMOX Radio in St. Louis and went on to work in publishing, advertising, public relations, television production, marketing, merchandising, photography, and the travel industry in Los Angeles and New York City. She also served as an administrative aide to the late Democratic Congressman from Illinois Melvin M. Price in Washington, D.C.

For 25 years, Barbara worked as Associate Publisher of the University of California Berkeley Wellness Letter in New York City before retiring to St. Louis.

A passionate traveler, Barbara explored destinations around the world including Mongolia, New Zealand, Turkey, Cambodia, Europe, China, Japan, Chile, Peru, Israel, and Egypt. She was also an active volunteer with several organizations in St. Louis, including the St. Louis Zoo.

Barbara was an avid runner and sports enthusiast. She completed the New York Marathon, hiked England’s 190-mile Coast-to-Coast trail, and trekked through Bhutan in the Himalayas.

She delighted in her dogs and is seen here with her beloved Max.

She is survived by her brother Robert Maxwell, sister-in-law Susan Hassler, nephews Taylor Maxwell and Colin Maxwell, all of Sharon, Connecticut and New York City, and many dear friends.

Barbara donated her body to the St. Louis University School of Medicine. Contributions in her memory may be made to the St. Louis Zoo.