Maia L.

O'Neal

Maia Latashia O'Neal–Kennedy was born on May 2, 1973, in Toledo, Ohio, to Larry and Delores (Freeman) O'Neal. She peacefully departed this life at her residence in Avon, Indiana, on April 20, 2026.

Maia received her education through Springfield Local Schools and Toledo Public Schools. She later obtained her General Educational Development (G.E.D.) certificate and went on to complete a nursing assistant certification program. She began her service as a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) and would go on to devote over 20 years of her life to caring for others in this field. It was during this time that her passion for healthcare was firmly established. She continued her education at Stautzenberger College in Maumee, Ohio, where she earned her associate degree in June 2014.

Maia later relocated to Avon, Indiana, where she again devoted herself to service as a CNA. On September 18, 2017, she was united in marriage to Albert Kennedy. Committed to professional advancement, she obtained additional certifications as a Qualified Medication Aide (QMA) and Certified Restorative Care Aide (CRCA). Throughout her career, Maia demonstrated an unwavering dedication to providing compassionate and exemplary care to those she served.

In 2026, Maia achieved a significant professional milestone by earning her nursing degree from Hondros College of Nursing in Indianapolis, Indiana. Upon successfully passing the Indiana state licensing examination in March 2026, she began her career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at Arlington Place Health Campus, where she had previously served as a CNA since 2018.

Maia was preceded in death by her brother, Darryl O'Neal; her grandparents, William and Ada (Butler) O'Neal and Preston Freeman; her uncles, Eric and Mark O'Neal; her aunt, Barbara (Freeman) Harris; her stepson, Antoine Kennedy; and her beloved dog, Tyson.

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband, Albert Kennedy (affectionately known as A.K.); her sons, Brandon O'Neal (partner, Ashley Fleenor), Bryant O'Neal (wife, Kristen), Dwayne Juwan O'Neal, and Jason Ramsey; her stepson, Jimmy Overton; her stepdaughter, Sharkayla Kennedy; six grandchildren; her parents, Larry and Delores O'Neal; her sister, Sonya Brown (husband, Damian); her aunts, Debra Quinn and Denise (affectionately known as Niecy) (husband, Brian Hobson); as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, other extended family members, and friends. She also leaves her cherished companion, her puppy, Kuddy.

Maia was a source of inspiration to all who knew her, including her mother. The two once worked together at Lutheran Village at Wolf's Creek Skilled Nursing, where Maia's dedication to her profession encouraged her mother to pursue certification as a nursing assistant. Her compassion, professionalism, and quiet confidence left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Maia remained steadfast in her faith and resolute in her purpose, continuing her journey with grace until she was called home.