Alice McLaughlin Goetz O’Neill, devout Catholic

Alice McLaughlin Goetz O’Neill, 95, a respected realtor, devoted alumna of her college alma mater and tireless advocate for the canonization of Mother Elizabeth Ann Seton, passed away Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022, at her home in Greenville.

The eldest of two daughters, Alice Ellen McLaughlin was born to Charles and Alice Querey McLaughlin in 1927, in Wilmington. The family lived on South Broom Street in the shadow of St. Elizabeth’s Church, and both Alice and her sister, Geraldine, graduated from the parish elementary and high school. 

In the fall of 1945, Alice began her studies at St. Joseph College in Emmitsburg, Md. It was there on the campus, settled in 1809 by Mother Seton and her small band of religious women, that Alice’s devotion to the future saint took root. The college evolved from St. Joseph’s Academy and Free School, dedicated to children of the poor, which marked the beginning of the U.S. Catholic school system. 

Following graduation in 1949, Alice returned home and worked in advertising and public relations for the John Wanamaker and Strawbridge & Clothier department stores. She also volunteered at the Catholic Forum of the Air. Later, while working for DuPont Company, she met Thomas Edward Goetz, a mechanical engineer from Brooklyn, N.Y. They married in 1952 and lived in Fairfax, then in Blue Rock Manor, where they raised their five children. The couple was among the founders of St. Mary Magdalen Parish in Sharpley, where they made many lifelong friends.

While her children were young, Alice, along with other St. Joseph College alumnae, took up the sainthood cause for Mother Seton, promoting knowledge about and devotion to her, and arranging for Masses to be offered in parishes throughout their respective dioceses. On Sept. 14, 1975, Alice was among thousands of people assembled in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City to witness the canonization of Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first U.S.-born saint. And Alice was one of only 100 people selected to receive communion from Pope Paul VI at the canonization Mass.  

The Goetz Family spent many summer weeks in Lewes, where they learned to sail and eventually purchased a home. Alice stayed fit by swimming in Wilmington and Lewes pools. Her husband passed away in 1998 and Alice, who had returned to work in her 50s, continued to build a successful career at Patterson-Schwartz Realtors. 

In 2008, she was honored by Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Md., for her service to the Diocese of Wilmington, Mother Seton and the St. Joseph College Alumnae Assoc. A longtime member of the alumnae board of directors, Alice played a key role in steering the direction of the association after the college closed. Her efforts helped to sustain the organization’s ongoing philanthropic mission, which supports church and community groups and Catholic education. 

William E. O’Neill of Northern Virginia, a widower, retired attorney, and friend of Alice while they were both students in Emmitsburg 60 years earlier, read of her award from his alma mater, googled her and wrote to offer congratulations. They soon rekindled their friendship, and New Year’s Eve 2012 were married in Wilmington’s Cathedral of St. Peter. The couple moved to Country House in Greenville, where they spent 10 happy years.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband Thomas E. Goetz; and her sister and brother-in-law Geraldine and Thomas McLaughlin. 

She is survived by her husband, William E. O’Neill, and his two sons and grandchildren; and her five children, Thomas C. Goetz (Barbara Bierlein) of Landenberg, Pa., and Vero Beach, Fla., and Michael J. Goetz (Hattie Warwick-Smith) of Lewes; and daughters, Dr. Mary Ellen Goetz (Howard A. Jaffe) of Wynnewood, Pa., Anne Louise Goetz (Andrew B. Mason) of Bradenton, Fla., and Elizabeth Ann Goetz (Kelly Visconti) of Washington, D.C.; and her grandson, Aaron M. Jaffe of Wynnewood.

The family will receive friends at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 21, at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Church, 10 Old Church Road, Wilmington. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 a.m. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Alice’s name to St. Peter Cathedral School, 310 W. 6th St., Wilmington, DE 19801.  

To leave online condolences, visit chandlerfuneralhome.com.