Community remembers 'very special woman,' beloved teacher killed in apparent murder-suicide

Tributes are pouring in for a beloved mother, teacher and friend who died in a murder-suicide this week in Yonkers.

Melanie Palmer

Oct 19, 2024, 2:21 AM

Updated 45 days ago

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Tributes are pouring in for a beloved mother, teacher and friend who died in a murder-suicide this week in Yonkers.
"I was very blessed to have Arlene interwoven in my life in many ways. She was a wonderful teacher, a wonderful friend. Her son and my son are in the same class," says Arlene's Friend, Jennifer Inglis.
It's not hard to find someone who was touched by Arlene O'Neill.
"She never hesitated to help if you needed help, she liked connecting people and she always was looking to just enrich people's lives," says Marie Milio.
Marie Milio grew up with Arlene.
Wednesday morning, Milio got news she couldn't even comprehend.
"My mind wouldn't even let me go there, it was a shock," Milio explains.
Police say, Arlene was shot and killed by her husband, Sean, inside their home on Chittenden Avenue in Yonkers. He later died by suicide, according to police.
Arlene's loss is being felt deeply.
"She had such a sense of humor. She would make you laugh all the time," says Inglis.
Inglis tells News 12 Arlene was very involved in the local special education PTA and in the community as a whole.
The O'Neill's leave behind three children.
Milio created a GoFundMe to help those kids during this difficult time and beyond.
"We want to make sure the boys have everything they need to move ahead in their life and alleviate some of the stress for the family," says Milio.
On top of that, green ribbons and bows are being put up outside homes around Yonkers. They are in honor of Arlene.
"I feel like the area is already lit up in green for her memory. She is going to be missed so much," says Inglis.