Sydney Smith-O’Neill

Sydney died peacefully at Mission Terrace after a decade long battle with Alzheimer’s. Sydney was born and raised in Santa Barbara, graduated SBHS in 1959.

She lived a full and exciting life. She spent many years in Hawaii and traveled extensively with her husband, Dennis who she was married to for almost 30 years. They enjoyed living in Las Vegas and Long Beach as well. At one point they bought a large RV and were hired as camp hosts at different campgrounds throughout the U.S. They loved their life and always made sure to watch every sunset. Sydney and sunsets go hand in hand. Sydney wore many hats in her job choices over the years including but not limited to; flight attendant, real estate agent, travel agent, beer and wine distributor, receptionist for Paine Webber for many years and her most favorite was being a professional extra in movies and TV. She loved being on Friends, Get Shorty, The Ellen Show, The Brady Bunch movie and so many more, Sydney was vivacious, hilarious, sarcastic, smart, witty, and an absolutely blast to be around. She could make anyone laugh, no matter what mood they were in. Her granddaughter, Nikki said it best, “She was shiny.”

She is survived by her husband, Dennis O’Neill, her brother, Alex Smith and her children, Leslie Sweeney (Bob), Darcy Limosnero (Ben) and Melanie Garst-Mcpherson (Sam). She absolutely adored and doted on her six grandchildren, Nikki Limo, Dane Limosnero, Robin Sweeney, Danny Sweeney, Ryan Sweeney and Addie Roach. Preceded in death by her parents Hal C. Smith and Catherine F. Rock-Smith, and her brother Tony Smith.

We want to extend a huge thank you to the staff at Mission Terrace. They treated Sydney like family and made her feel special every day. You guys are beyond amazing!

We will scatter her ashes May 7th at sunset at Hendry’s beach, where she loved to swim as a child and an adult.

Sydney will be very missed. Anyone that knew her and wishes to pay their respects please email Melanie at melanie.garst@gmail.com