We celebrate the life of Joy Florence (O’Neil) Martinelli who fell asleep in Jesus on Friday, January 22, 2021. Joy was born in St. Louis, MO to Edward O’Neil and Florence Burger O’Neil in 1936. After graduating from Cleveland High School Joy married Leo Louis Martinelli on January 8, 1955, who preceded her in death in 2011.
Joy is loved by her family including her children, Mark (Dot) Martinelli, Lisa (Alan) Hautly, Terri (Scott) Roberts, Karen (Lucian Khan) Martinelli and grandchildren Marisa (Richard) Hartis, Nicholas (Kristina) Martinelli, Adam (Neile) Hautly, Shaun (Jessie) Hautly, Jacob (Sophia Ressler) Hautly, the late Aaron Roberts, Kelsey (Joseph Wallis) Roberts, Lydia (Nicholas) Cockerham, Kevin Khan and siblings Patsy O’Neil, Michael (Jean) O’Neil, great grandchildren Austyn & Travis Hartis, Eloise & Louis Hautly and Luca Hautly, family and friends.
Joy loved dancing with Leo in younger years, talking to & about her children and grandchildren as well as friends including the group of women known as “Club”, who met and shared friendship since kindergarten. Surviving club members include Joy Rumpf, Lynn Lund, Carolyn George, Charlotte Queensen, and Peggy Marshall. June Reichert, Betty McCarron, Jean Seipp, Beverly Cielman, & Carolyn Schindler preceded Joy in death.
A private family service will take place on Monday, February 1 from Kutis Funeral Home, Affton, MO and officiated by Rev. David Gruenwald.
The family requests memorials be made to St. Judes Children’s Hospital or Resurrection Lutheran Church, Sappington, MO.
Lisa and Family-
Joy always had a way of making me smile and feel appreciated. She brightened my day every time I had the opportunity to see her. She will be missed, but I’m sure she’s enjoying the best Vanilla Long John’s heaven has to offer. My condolences
I met Joy through shopping but feel like fate put us together. We enjoyed our visits and if I could do her a little favor once in a while when I was there I know she was very grateful. I was able to visit her when she became my mom’s neighbor and I had a chance to knock on her door and say “hi” (before visitors were no longer allowed). I remember seeing her when she was all dolled up for the Christmas party and she was so excited to introduce me to the family members that were able to attend. She left quite a legacy in her large family and many happy memories can be treasured forever.
Joy is my stepmother; I first met her at 19 years old, Christmas of 1970. From that time on, she embraced me as one of her own, and at the same time, treated me as a fun girlfriend. I loved her dearly, she is a wonderful mother, and grandmother. Of all the good times we had together, I especially remember when I was in St. Louis with my young son the week of his 2nd birthday. She invited us over, and when we arrived, she turned out the dining room lights, lit candles on a cake, and we sang happy birthday. Kevin was standing on the chair, with his little face smiling and laughing for Joy. I remember thinking she was the best ever with all her little ones. I will miss her and always be grateful that she came into my life. With love, Karen
Dear sister, thanks for all the fun childhood and adult memories. I always looked up to my big sister and couldn’t wait to get her fashionable hand me downs. I will miss calling you late at night knowing we both had a habit of staying up late. See you again. Happy heavenly birthday.
Sis Pat