Karen O'Neill Velasquez

Karen O’Neill Velasquez, 57, wife of Jay Velasquez, peacefully let go of the hand of her beloved husband Jay and stepped into the embrace of her Savior, Jesus Christ, on April 17, 2021.

Karen, the daughter of Anne O’Neill and Ed O’Neill, was born in San Jose, CA but grew up in Vienna, VA. where she graduated from Madison High School. After marrying Jay in 1996, they would spend the early years of their marriage in Vienna raising their boys, Bennett Velasquez, JohnPaul Velasquez, and Adam Cadle. Eventually Karen and Jay would move their family to Mount Pleasant, SC where they became founding Members of the Church at Life Park.

Karen leaves behind her husband of almost 25 years and her children Bennett Velasquez and JohnPaul Velasquez both of Mount Pleasant, SC and Adam Cadle (Celeste) of Leavenworth, KS as well as her grandsons Lincoln Cadle and Gage Gammon, and her honorary son Ethan Willis of Mount Pleasant, SC. Also grieving her loss are her father Ed O’Neill and her mother in law Hortense Velasquez; her siblings Kathleen O’Neill (Todd Smith), Paul O’Neill (Michelle), and
Bridget Schmidt (Al); her in-laws Rick Velasquez (Stephanie), Lisa Owens (Keith), and Rene Velasquez (Eloise Romero); and many nephews and nieces.

It was said of Karen that “she pursued people relentlessly who needed Christ.” To that end she impacted the lives of hundreds of people, especially so many women who saw her as mother, friend and/or mentor. Karen was widely and deeply loved by everyone she impacted or came to know. Karen was an incredible writer, artist and speaker and she employed all of her skills to successfully advance the Kingdom of Christ. Her newly published first novel, The Rescue, is
about to be released in memoriam.

As a long-time follower of Jesus Christ, a visitation will take place at the Church at LifePark, located at 1151 George Browder Boulevard in Mount Pleasant, on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 from 6:00-8:00 P.M.

The Memorial Service will take place at The Church at Life Park the
following day, Thursday, April 22, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. with burial to follow at Mount Pleasant Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, and in an effort to honor Karen by making her novel a success, it is requested that copies of “The Rescue” be ordered upon release by providing your contact information at the Visitation sign-up sheet or emailing Jay (jayvelasq@aol.com) your contact information.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.mcalister-smith.com Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation, 1520 Rifle Range Road, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464, (843)884-3833