99-year-old who formed a friendship over a fence with her 2-year-old neighbor - has died

Benjamin Olson and Mary O'Neill formed a friendship that helped them both through the pandemic.
www.kare11.com...
Welcome to the official KZbin channel of KARE 11 News. Subscribe to our channel for compelling and dramatic storytelling, award-winning investigations, breaking news and information you can use.
» Subscribe to KARE 11 on KZbin: www.youtube.co...
» Watch more KARE 11 video: / kare11
» Visit KARE11.com: www.kare11.com/
» Download our mobile app! www.kare11.com...
» Get KARE 11+ on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV: www.kare11.com...
» Find KARE 11 on Facebook: / kare11
» Follow KARE 11 on Twitter: / kare11
» Follow KARE 11 on Instagram: / kare11

[@mariucheA]

RIP, sweet Mary.❤ A wonderful relationship. I'm so glad she found a friend that made her so happy 😅

[@christopherbradley5575]

Ive always felt that we should do more to connect our oldest and youngest generations. It does so much for both.

[@SweetTea2]

This!! All of my little baby cousins (5-7)come over everyday after school to sit and talk and watch Soap Opera's with our 77 yr old aunt (Granny Jean) it's absolutely beautiful ❤🥰

[@jemeralds5]

How beautiful! I’m sure this was fate. They were meant to find each other in this lifetime. The friendship that was instantly turned into a feeling of finding a lost loved family member. He brought her peace she brought him wisdom, warmth. Beautiful.

[@jennie2921]

You comment brought as many tears to my eyes as the story itself. Beautiful..

[@ritaflatt6425]

Beautiful story! ❤ God blessed them both!🙏 🫶🙌😘🥰

[@patsypotts6528]

True happiness and compassion comes with all ages-what a beautiful loving story! What a beautiful world this would be if all our neighbors were like this !! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🏻

[@susan49c]

What a joy to Mary that Benjamin came into her life. My late husband lost two daughters that never reached adulthood. My daughter and her son came to live with us when he was less than a month old. When he was about nine my daughter and I discussed her moving out so that Timmy would see her as a parent and NOT as a daughter living with her mom. They didn't go far as they were in the same town with us and we still saw them frequently. Sadly my husband died eight months after Timmy and his mom moved out. Back in 2007 when Timmy came to live with us my husband and I were in our late 60's. Timmy's changed our life for the better. Through his eyes, we saw the world all over again as new. Everything Timmy experienced we saw it through his eyes and it was all "new"! Having Timmy in our home to help raise him was a joy! We were able to see his first step, his first word, his first haircut his first laugh, his first day of kindergarten....so many firsts!! His joy just being a kid. His nickname was "smiley" because he was always smiling! I know grandparents have a hard time raising grandchildren and I know I have been blessed especially since there were three adults to help take care of one child. That's why I'm positive that Benjamin coming into her life when he did was absolutely a blessing. To have joy in your later years is so precious, so many are without. Blessings to all. ps: sorry if this is too long.

[@ceceliagunness1641]

Beautiful story and oh! so true.Not too long at all.Sorry for your loss, but treasure the memories.

[@skinnydee1886]

I cried watching this. Mary was such a sweet lady and the family next door is so nice to have treated her with so much love, especially her 2-year-old friend; wonderful people! May God bless them all! 🙏💐❤️

[@ceceliagunness1641]

Exactly my thoughts.

[@louise8752]

The moms tears in her eyes made me cry instantly. What a beautiful friendship.

[@margaretling1827]

What a beautiful story of friendship. So sorry to hear of the loss of Mary. I know Benjamin will always remember the special bond he shared with Mary❤😇

[@ThompsonSmith-dd2lo]

Hello Margaret How are you doing today?

[@tallspaniard1]

That little kid reminds me of me . I always loved my Grandma more that all her other grandchildren … I know that she also loved me more , I was her favorite . ❤❤ 😊😊

[@s.a.adams-ford1216]

Get a grip sugar. I tell all three of my grandchildren they're my favorite. One of these days they're going to compare notes and I'm going to have a lot of explaining to do. Lol

[@vintage6346]

@@s.a.adams-ford1216 I was 13 when my granny had to "break it to me" that she loved her other three grandchildren as much as she loved me. It happens.

[@s.a.adams-ford1216]

@@vintage6346 I'm just hoping they figure it out while they're still young enough to bribe with gifts that cost no more than 300. or 400. instead of when they're grown and have their eye on bass boats and four wheel drives.

[@vintage6346]

@@s.a.adams-ford1216 Granny was on social security. But she told me that, if anything happened to her, her money was taped to the underside of her dining table, and that I should be sure to take it. I felt honored.

[@katespear1233]

I’m so sorry to hear that. She reminded me so much of my mother who died 4 years ago at the age of 102. RIP Mary.

[@ThompsonSmith-dd2lo]

Hello KATE How are you doing today?

[@reddiver7293]

My back yard abuts my neighbor's back yard. We have a fence similar to the one in this video, My neighbor is a 94 year old widow. The sweetest lady ever. Sometimes when I am doing yard work and she is hanging her laundry on her clothesline, we come to the fence and chat. About anything and everything. I am so grateful for this part of my lfe.

[@thisorthat7626]

@reddiver7293, I am sure your neighbor appreciates the time you spend with her. I hope that you find other reasons to share time with her. 94 and living independently! We should all be so fortunate. Blessings.

[@reddiver7293]

@@thisorthat7626 Thank you! And blessings be upon you and yours.

[@beffis1980]

What a beautiful story! I still have tears in my eyes. God brought them together. How lovely she was to that little boy and what a light he lit in her life. I’m sorry to hear that she passed away, but I’m sure they will meet again and remember each other.

[@laurieannyandabyrd5402]

How cute. Oh dirt, just adorable. Hugs Benjamin,. RIP Mary.😊❤

[@ThompsonSmith-dd2lo]

Hello Laurie How are you doing today?

[@lindasadler994]

Such a beautiful friendship. What a wonderful and kind lady to those sweet little boys.

[@ThompsonSmith-dd2lo]

Hello Linda How are you doing today?

[@Jax52reg]

What an incredible neighbor! Now this is how neighbors should be!

[@MeMeDaVinci]

So sweet 💕 Lessons in life are learned early...friendship knows no age: this is a sweet story that reminds me of the little girl that made friends with the man shopping at a grocery store. They were friends for about 4 years before he passed away.😢

[@carenpedolsky]

This is a beautiful story! She will be greatly missed❤😢

[@garrymoore1424]

She watching over her grandsons

[@cynthiaWalker5226]

What an incredible blessing to have such unconditional love in your final days of life!

[@rubendaniel249]

Hello Cynthia, how are you doing today.

[@carmenm.478]

I wish I could've lived next to her ❤ RIP sweet Mary

[@rubendaniel249]

Hello beautiful, how are you doing today.

[@amarettomarie6653]

O My ❤ I can't stop the tears from streaming down my face... Their Friendship is absolutely Precious and so full of Love.....❤ They were so Blessed to be able to share that Love together... Now she'll be radiating her Love from Heaven ❤ R.I.P. Sweet Angel ❤️

[@sitakouch9643]

Rip angel Mary. I'm thankful for little Ben for your amazing friendship. I'm sure your guardian angel is watching over you. God bless you & family.🙏♥️

[@kristinejohnson9141]

Such a beautiful and sweet lady and a wonderful little boy. Such precious memories. Rip Mary you were a beautiful soul.❤

[@ThompsonSmith-dd2lo]

Hello Kristine How are you doing today?

[@mswoman8059]

What a sweet story. 😢

[@sunshinehippie70]

So sweet! Our seniors and our children are our greatest assets!

[@bobmohan9815]

That's just the best! It's extremely lonely for older people that have no loved ones. It takes nothing more than a bit of time to help fill a void & brighten someone's day. A conversation, shared laughter, creates a welcoming noise where silence once lived.

[@777educated]

RIP Mary.

[@lisaboo5806]

Such a sweet friendship.

[@ThompsonSmith-dd2lo]

Hello

[@muffs55mercury61]

No doubt this special friendship added a couple of years to Mary's life as she had another thing to look forward to after playing her Yatzee. So glad she was able to live in her own home rather than an assisted living or a nursing home (which she definitely did not need) This made my eyes watery.

[@patreddy1610]

What a marvellous lady and a lovely story. RIP Mary

[@leem200]

So many older people in a lonely situation. Family doesn't live near anymore and often friends die, spouses, children, and they are left very lonely. Wonderful to see love span the generations. Old people are you older. Peace!

[@dbluehorsedeboe5567]

Those boys will have a friend forever they will never forget

[@seemsgood85]

Rest in peace Mary. 🙏🙏🙏

[@debbie2545]

This story warmed my heart body and spirit. What a wonderful bond. The child will always remember this wonderful lady.❤❤❤

[@michelestoneman3193]

Such a sweet story.. My Deepest Condolences to all that know and Love Mary. You are in my thoughts.

[@daisi4925]

Tears. She took me back to my mother who had a kind soul as hers. I’m sure their sharing stories in heaven

[@bodhiswayze1892]

"Thank you, ooh that's nice dirt" yeah, that's a wonderful grandma right there. Rest easy sweet lady ❤

[@lauranowak3632]

True friendship knows no boundaries, or limits. Rest in Peace Mary, your impact will never be forgotten.

[@ThompsonSmith-dd2lo]

Hello Laura How are you doing today?

[@lauranowak3632]

@@ThompsonSmith-dd2lo I’m hanging in there as best I’m able. How are you today? Thank you so much for asking 😊

[@ThompsonSmith-dd2lo]

@@lauranowak3632 I’m good thanks for asking. Where are you texting from if I may ask?

[@TSC-hr7ir]

RIP 🌹 🙏 Mrs O'Neill Condolences to the Family

[@allisonlew4508]

How marvelous that they had this friendship & Tonka toys & bubbles.

[@TheBlessed64]

😢Such a beautiful story ❤ Perfect love for the Fence Friend

[@lasalsera1924]

They will be friend for ever. Like someone said. They were meant to meet before departure. This is not coincidence! God bless her. Hope the little boy remembers this short time with her friend.

[@gusgarza6529]

WoW what a story for the Ages, God Bless her for her kind friendship to this 2 year old.😊

[@user-KaliGirl]

Such a. Precious story!!

[@lawaincooley6788]

A heartwarming tear-jerker. Precious story!! Rest in peace Mary ~

[@taniamonaghan2489]

This is just so heartwarming,he will have such beautiful memories so of her…R.I.P MARY

[@beffis1980]

So beautiful

[@gwenratcliffe3815]

Such a wonderful story to share. May God Bless Mary O'Neill.

[@dottieandroh3178]

Rest in heaven

[@reneesiegel6781]

Rest in peace you are a beautiful person and will be missed condolences to your family. You made alot of people happy praying for your family

[@dm4859]

We had a neighbor who was quite elderly and we called her Grandma McCombs. She had one son who lived out of state and our family became her and she ours. A great story this is.

[@lifeofreilly9943]

The elderly should be cherished...A generation that will never grace us again

[@deborl7278]

The young keep us going. That two year old made her day and allowed her to lay down in peace, helped her to shut down her own life . 100 years old ,my goodness , many a time she could look at that young friend and think , i have been around the block once or twice ,bout time to let myself go to the other side. Youth bringing many things to her mind. She wasnt alone with yooung Ben Beautiful

[@rubendaniel249]

Hello Deborah, how are you doing today.

[@melidynamite9171]

He has a guardian angel now for life. ❤

[@rubendaniel249]

Hello beautiful, how are you doing.

[@boombasett6038]

Beautiful. if only we can all come together like this as human beings matter the age gap.

[@ConstanceCrimley-nj6yl]

So heartwarming and touching ! Formed a million dollars friendship that has no price tag no boundaries! That's something you don't see every day This is one unforgettable story that will carry on through the years ❤❤❤❤❤

[@evonwilliams7502]

Just so sweet I'm so sorry that she passed away I'm praying for everyone😊😅😢🎉❤

[@msibocharity4300]

I feel bad for benjamin loosing a friend so close . although she died with so much love of benjamin.and she will always be remembered.

[@Feb1960s]

So sweet.

[@aprilsmith3683]

This is a sad story to hear today... A truly beautiful soul whose spirit lifted mine during a dark time... The world she touched was larger than the one she lived in... Being content and happy is a feat... A life fulfilled... 🇿🇦

[@lawandahunt1762]

What an Awesome story!! I love Elderly people their so full of Wisdom. I definitely miss my Grandparents!!❤❤

[@muffs55mercury61]

I wish my grandmother was like Mary but sadly she was not. But thru my life I've met lots of great elderly folks and hit it off well since I'm into many things of their generation such as their cars, music and much more.

[@bettyepresley6182]

Such a beautiful friendship ❤

[@DeniseWheeler-r6d]

Such a loving sweet soul❤️Glad that this little boy brought her the same joy that she brought him. R.I.P.🙏

[@reneesiegel6781]

How can we send cards to her family

[@marileedent8499]

Prayers RIP 🙏. Beautiful

[@rubendaniel249]

Hello Mari, how are you doing today.

[@lisaknox7722]

Its good that they were friends.😊

[@joannewisher7300]

What a sweet story God these beautiful people ❤️

[@lucillepratt3798]

An amazingly sweet story ❤️❤️🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@pj195]

Such a beautiful story..😢condolences to her friend and family....

[@bettyragin-dawes148]

So beautiful 😍 ❤my deepest condolences to the family..Fly High Sweet Angel 😇 🦋💫🍃🙌🏾

[@ThompsonSmith-dd2lo]

Hello Betty v How are you doing today?

[@synthiawilson941]

Respect,heartfelt condolences n family/friends stay strong

[@amywantland5359]

Such a Sweet story. We all know where Mary is now. Sweet Soul, Bless you. You're destined to do great things Benjamin ❤

[@susanmunoz7688]

What a beautiful friendship!This just shows that true friendship passes all barriers. God blessed them with each other! ❤️🤗♥️

[@rubendaniel249]

Hello Susan, how are you doing today.

[@bevanbuckwheatshea5520]

RIP Mary.

[@sharonbowers9929]

Bless her sweet memory.

[@noreenohare9367]

Brautifull. Everyone needs a friend. Peace and love.sympatjy to family and friends.

[@lyndagayemiller]

Beautiful ..absolutely beautiful🩷🩷

[@garrymoore1424]

She watching over her grandson’s now RIP

[@lauriesthought1231]

So sweet! That’s a soul tribe connection.

[@lauriesthought1231]

@@ThompsonSmith-dd2loit’s been a pretty great Sunday. Blessed. How are you?

[@ThompsonSmith-dd2lo]

@@lauriesthought1231 I’m good thanks for asking 😊 Where are you texting from if I may ask?

[@ThompsonSmith-dd2lo]

Are you there?

[@lauriesthought1231]

@@ThompsonSmith-dd2lo Hello there, I live in Indiana, midwest of America. Where are you from?

[@ThompsonSmith-dd2lo]

@@lauriesthought1231 I’m from Los Angeles California. How’s the weather over there if I may ask?

[@tschandraheinze1680]

AWWWWW ❤❤❤ What a honorable life and bond made that will truly last a lifetime.

[@tammyweaver7198]

A beautiful story. They were a great pair. RIP Mary.

[@charlenedean4086]

Beautiful. Crying happy tears ❤

[@kathleensaenz4717]

May she rest in peace....

[@autumnleaves8553]

Aaaaaaw! He probably kept her going during those awful uncertain days of isolation! 🤗🥰

[@bellajacobs6252]

What a blessing so many years

[@chanathomas7861]

That is such a beautiful story! Made me a little teary... RIP sweet angel!

[@teresalegler2777]

Thank you for sharing this story. I’m certain both Mary and Benjamin had many precious moments together.

[@houdini-ng9yv]

This makes me so happy and bittersweetly sad at the same time.

[@mygreatescape9617]

So sweet 💗 RIP sweet lady ❤️🙏

[@ecksdee_xL]

I’m crying so mf hard rn .. rest in paradise Mary. You had such a sweet soul 😢❤

[@rubendaniel249]

Hello beautiful, how are you doing today.

[@rozchristopherson648]

RIP Mary. ❤🙏

[@sasha2345]

RIP Mary

[@hassnaasalah8765]

Rip..Mary...I hope leave with fantastic days giving to be good memories hopefully ❤

[@cldr9210]

God Bless Mary , and God bless family nextdoor 🙏. Friends forever.

[@claireedwards1179]

Beautiful may she rest in peace ❤

[@victoriabelton7168]

Beautiful story

[@SouthernGardening50]

Beautiful story.

[@moebetta6194]

That's her grandson too and best friend ♥️♥️

[@MistyMorningMangoes]

Omg this opened up the floodgates! Now I’ve got to redo my makeup. What a precious story❤

[@nancycrowe9063]

So sweet may you rest in peaceMary❤❤

[@deniseblackburn33]

So beautiful I'm so glad they found each other😊😊😊❤

[@ThompsonSmith-dd2lo]

Hello Dear How are you doing today?

[@newadventurer2927]

😢Indeed a beautiful story and a bit of a tearjerker. Just goes to show, no one is an island, we will always need each other - that’s the way it is, it’s humanity after all😢. So fortunate for the lovely old gal, may she rest in peace. It’s also very fortunate for the young couple and their two young sons … look at the young Mom with tears in her eyes. Truly a beautiful story with beautiful moments for all involved. Hopefully, the little young boy will have an keep this beautiful memory that should enrich his own life as he grows up. To the parents and the News, thanks 🙏🏽 for sharing. So, this world is still has good news (great news) in small corners of our communities. There’s still Hope, let’s keep hope and love alive! Just take time to be a good neighbour, and if the other side is not so good, then just keep trying. Keep sharing genuine emotions and acts of kindness. Isn’t that what our lives should be about ? This news clip will help me along with my day. How about you my fellow readers?

[@tamiweber9409]

Beautiful story ❤😢❤ Thank you for the beautiful story ❤❤❤❤❤