Years ago, there were five squirrels found to be making nests all throughout a garage in a house on Antler Pine in Newtown, Conn. They had recycled nearly all paper in that space and made their own beds/nests, claiming each area of it as their own. Most would be frantic about it, and call the local animal control, yet, although Neal Werner didn’t “encourage” it, she allowed it for a time. She nurtured and loved the wild animals she brought back from the local wildlife rescue while they got stronger and healthy enough to head out back into the woods to truly find their forever homes amongst the trees. This was the kind of woman Neal was: patient and loving to everyone around her, especially animals in need. Cats, dogs, squirrels, rabbits, rats, raccoons, opossums, and any creature in need of care and love.

This wonderful woman, Neal Ann Werner, 67, of Woodbury, Conn., passed away peacefully on August 16, 2022, at the Watermark of East Hill.

Neal was born on March 10, 1955, to Robinson Richard Whiteside and Gail Shirley Huffaker Whiteside, in Evanston, Ill. She grew up in Darien, Conn.

Neal attended Pine Manor College of Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Hartwick College, of Oneonta, N.Y., in 1977.

She worked as a homemaker, real estate agent, and caretaker, yet her true passion was in caring for her many pets, including Dougle, Mr Christian, Mo, Venus, Charlie, Snow, Honey, and Chloe, in addition to the 12 orphaned squirrels adopted from the local animal sanctuary. She spent many years in Newtown raising her children and loving the nature that surrounded her home. She enjoyed long walks in the woods, keeping one eye open for a stray squirrel in need and one hunting passionately for arrowheads. At the end of the day, you could find her reading a quality book with a cat in her lap and a dog by her feet.

She was an avid nature enthusiast, animal lover, arrowhead hunter, spiritual and meditative soul that will be greatly missed by all those who loved her, and the contagious smile she wore so well.

Neal is survived by her children, Marnie Ellen Werner, William Edmund Werner IV, and Jennifer Rayburn Goodwin; her grandchildren, Karyssa and Alex Goodwin; and her brothers, Mark Whiteside and Paul Whiteside.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robinson R. Whiteside and Gail S. Whiteside, along with her ex-husband, William Edmund Werner III.

There will be a private Celebration of Life for friends and family in honor of Neal.

Memorials or donations may be made to Whiskers Pet Rescue, 134 Main Street South, Southbury CT 06488.