Local Hero Terri O'Neill Named 2011 Lemont Patch Person of the Year

If you live or work in Lemont, chances are you've heard of Terri O'Neill.

When I started working with Patch in July 2010, it didn't take me long to hear all about O'Neill and her various charitable endeavors. From her own organization, Hope and Friendship Ministries, to her work at and the Police Department, it seemed as though she was everywhere.

O'Neill started Hope and Friendship in December 2005 to help those facing financial, emotional or physical crises. She has made it her personal mission to feed, comfort and assist as many people as possible.

In its six years of existence, Hope and Friendship has organized , Christmas meal deliveries and care packages, birthday parties for underprivileged children, food drives to support the Lemont Food Pantries, and various other fundraisers to support Lemont residents facing dire circumstances.

In 2011, O'Neill spearheaded a fundraiser that raised more than $30,000 for the family of Ellie Cuiching, who was diagnosed last year with a rare brain tumor.

This year, she will turn Hope and Friendship into a foundation in an effort to expand her community outreach.

O'Neill also works in the Lemont Township Department of Human Services, where she helps struggling families and raises money for the township's family assistance fund.

"There aren't enough words for how much Terri means to this community," said Lemont Township Supervisor Steve Rosendahl. "It's an unbelievable feeling as the township supervisor to know that Terri is there to help and support everyone. Her service is invaluable.

"She's the one person that everyone in this community knows they can call if they need help, and I think that's one of the biggest compliments anyone can receive."

O'Neill also serves as a chaplain at the Lemont Police Department, where she also makes weekly meals for officers.

"There isn't a person more deserving of recognition than Terri O'Neill," said Lemont Police Chief Kevin Shaughnessy. "She's been amazing not only for everyone in this community, but also our officers. She's been a huge support."

When I met O'Neill nearly a year and a half ago, she graciously offered to help me in any way she could—even with everything else she had going on in her life. I was lucky enough to publish her column, "This Corner of the World," where she wrote about issues facing the community and ways people could help.

Last month, when I asked for nominations for Person of the Year, nearly all of them were for Terri O'Neill. And I can't think of a more deserving person.

This honor caps an exciting year for O'Neill, both personally and professionally. She recently celebrated the birth of her first grandchild, and on Dec. 30 she married her new husband, Terry Borders.

So congratulations, Terri, on an amazing 2011, and thank you for all you do.

What Lemont Says About Terri

Kathy Henrikson, Lemont Township trustee

Terri ONeill is a big part of the why Lemont is known as the "Village of Faith." She works day and night as a missionary/servant to help others. Her free spirit leads her wherever the need may be. Her kindness is contagious, as many follow her to make a difference where they can. She certainly deserves this honor.

Dan Tacone, co-owner of

Terri O'Neill is the guardian angel of Lemont. I learned this not long after we opened in the fall of 2010. I know personall, I'm a better person from just being around her and I know each and every person she comes in contact with would agree with me.

Want to donate food, clothes or supplies? Call Terri and she'll find the right home for them. Want to set up a fundraiser and have no clue where to start? Call Terri. Know someone in need, even if the need is someone to talk to? Call Terri and she'll do whatever she can to help, even if it is just listening.

Some people claim their plate is too full to take on new jobs, projects or responsibilities. I challenge these people to ask Terri what a normal week may entail for her. When she's not visiting the sick in hospitals all over, she's baking for their families. When she's not running around getting stuff together for a big fundraiser, she's likely planning the next big one. When she's not cooking her weekly meal for the Lemont police officers, she's keeping them company on a ride-a-long.

Between all these things you may catch her at her son Jordan's soccer game in Wisconsin, enjoying time with her new grandson at a local restaurant or bantering over a sports game with her new husband, Terry. How she manages to keep up with all of these things is anyone's best guess. Maybe it's her long legs that keep her going?

Amy Kelly, friend

For years, I had heard Terri's name around town and had heard of Hope and Friendship. I was aware of all of the incredible and charitable things they did for so many people in our community.

I kind of assumed that "Terri" was like a code name for some sort of organization or company. Honestly, it never occurred to me that it was just one person heading up so many different things. I feel badly for communities that don't have a Terri. Those towns must have so many people and families just falling through the cracks. We are just truly blessed.

For so many people she is a safety net—what an awesome feeling. For me? Yes, she is that but I am so proud to also be able to call her my friend. I am a better person for just knowing her and will forever be in awe of all she has achieved.

Susan Nathan, friend

She does amazing and much needed work in the community for those less fortunate who need a helping hand.

Karen Weissenstein, friend

Terri gives to those who are in need every waking hour. She has inspired so many othesr to help her in this journey of helping others. If you even mention her name to anyone in Lemont, they will first respond with a smile, and then they will tell you how she has helped them in some way. She is always busy, but never to busy to help anyone and everyone!

Marie Markowski, friend

Terri has done so much for the people of Lemont. She has brought relief to those who need it and taught those of us who are lucky enough not to need it that we are the ones that benefit by giving. She's taught us that it's not always about giving money but about giving of yourself.

Marge Fox, Lemont resident

She dedicates her life to helping others, be it with donations, sending out email blasts when someone is in need, organizing and hosting holiday dinners or just lending an ear. She gets the word out to the community and gets results!

Mara Tunzi, Lemont resident

She is the pride and joy of Lemont, always thinking of others and their well-being. She is generous and compassionate beyond belief. She has donated so much of her time and money to help families in need right in our own town.

Terri has done so much for the people of Lemont.  She has brought relief to those who need it and taught those of us that are lucky enough not to need it that we are the ones that benefit by giving.  She's taught us that it's not always about giving money but about giving of yourself.