Obituary of Brenda Lee O'Neal

Wayland – Brenda L. O'Neal, 61 years of age, passed away Friday January 23, 2026 at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville. Brenda was born May 27, 1964 in Rochester, the daughter of Kenneth and Carol (Rex) Bauer. She was a 1982 graduate of Wayland Central School. Brenda and Joseph “Bryan” O'Neal married on July 9, 1983 at St. Joseph's Church in Wayland and celebrated their 42nd anniversary last year. Other than a year or so living in Atlanta, Brenda has been a resident of Wayland her entire life. Brenda's entire career was within the insurance business. She began at the Sullivan Agency in 1982 and in the late 1980's she and Bryan began the O'Neal Agency in Wayland. For over 35 years they owned and operated the business and helped countless people with their insurance needs. Brenda loved cooking and baking, especially breads and sweets! Taking Sunday drives with Bryan was also a favorite for her. She collected cookie jars, cookbooks and she enjoyed her plants. Many will remember going into her office with many plants decorating the area – some of them she had taken care of for many many years. Brenda enjoyed mowing and tending to the land on their family farm and throughout the years camping with her family. Her pets were very important to her as well – Otto and SaggieBogo her dogs, Regina her cat, and of course Freddie her turtle who has been around over 25 years! Brenda was pre-deceased by her parents, Kenneth and Carol Bauer and her in-laws, Joseph and Shirley O'Neal. She is survived by her husband , Joseph “Bryan” O'Neal of Wayland; her children, Joseph B. O'Neal Jr. (Caroline Clark) of Wayland, Shannon (Brian) Logsdon of Wayland and Henry O'Neal (Caitlin Weidman) of Wayland; her grandchildren, Joseph B. III, Morgan, Emma, Elizabeth, Oliver, Maddox, Shayli, Shirley and Lorraine; her siblings, Randy (Cathy) Bauer of Wayland, Rick (Tracey) Bauer of Clifton Springs, Gary (Kelly) Bauer of Wayland, Barb (Gary) Ellis of Springwater, Becky (John) Price of Wayland and Bill Bauer of Geneseo; her inlaws, William (Melissa) O'Neal of Wayland, Barb O'Neal of Wayland, Bonnie O'Neal of Wayland and Bobby (Bobbie) O'Neal of Wayland; along with several nieces and nephews. Brenda's family and friends may call Wednesday January 28, 2026 from 4-7pm at St. George-Forsythe Funeral Home, 109 West Naples St., Wayland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Brenda on Thursday January 29th at 11am at St. Joseph's Church, 206 Fremont St., Wayland. Contributions in memory of Brenda L. O'Neal may be made to the Steuben County Mental Health, c/o Mobile Crisis Team, 115 Liberty St., Bath, NY 14810.