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BY: Staff Reporter

A beloved volunteer at the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum, Beverleigh O’Neal, passed away on July 7th, 2020.

O’Neal, of Tonawanda, was a beloved wife, devoted mother of three, a grandmother of six, and great-grandmother of eleven. O’Neal was an English teacher at North Tonawanda Schools for over 25 years and was an avid volunteer at the museum and local library.

Upon hearing of O’Neal’s passing, the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum released the following statement on social media:

We are very saddened to hear of the passing of one of our long time volunteers, Bev O’Neill. Bev was our North Star at the museum. She served as a board member, docent, gardener, and ride operator at the museum. Her friendliness and enthusiasm were contagious with both the staff and other volunteers. She was a long time North Tonawanda teacher and took great pride in educating our visitors about North Tonawanda’s incredible history.

Bev loved to share personal stories when she took visitors through museum. Her tours were always highly praised for the rich picture she painted. Bev grew up riding our 1916 Number One Special carousel in Hamilton, Ontario and had many fond memories of riding the carousel throughout her lifetime. She holds the record for most generations of a family to ride our Number One Special with five generations.

The museum would not exist without her dedication and over 30 years of service.  She will be deeply missed and always remembered. Our thoughts are with her family during this difficult time.