Edna M O’Neill

For Edna dancing was always the poetry of the foot. All she needed was a song and she could figure out the steps. Her younger days were filled with everything from the jitterbug to jazz and tap. Her talents enabled her to dance professionally in New York, and even helped her befriend Lucky Luciano. And years later her passion continued when she taught at the Helen Stanley Dance Studio in Riverside. She loved the kids she worked with, and they loved her. Always outgoing, a room of strangers were simply friends she had yet to meet. And everywhere she went, she always looked her best. Even when she was battling the one-armed bandits in Atlantic City, you could be sure her makeup was done perfectly.rn In the early 1940s Edna married Thomas O’Neill, Jr. Before his passing in 1976, his position with the Navy moved them all around the country, but they eventually settled in Riverside. She is survived by her son Andy Smith of Riverside, and her dear friend Helene Stanley of Riverside. She was predeceased by her daughter Patricia Bumbuc and her brother Billy.rn Come celebrate Edna’s 93 dancing years (May 19, 1917-Mar. 7, 2011) Friday from 10 AM at the Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside, where the service will follow at 11. Interment Odd Fellows Cemetery, Burlington. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Animal Welfare Association 509 Centennial Blvd., Voorhees, NJ 08043.rn