Doris Louise McNeill

Devoted Mother And Grandmother

Doris Louise McNeill, 85, of Sandy Hook, died May 21. Daughter of the late Berger and Gertrude McKinsey Benson, she was born February 26, 1926, in Kane, Penn. She married John Donald McNeill, who preceded her in death in February of 1981.

She grew up the daughter of a factory worker and seamstress. After completing high school, she attended secretarial school in Buffalo. Once married, she had two children, Thomas and Deborah; she spent her years as a devoted wife and mother, making a warm and loving home for her family.

In her spare time, she was an avid bowler, bowling for IBM in the same league for more than 50 years. She also belonged to IBM golf. Mrs McNeill was a former member of the Poughkeepsie United Methodist Church, where she volunteered in Second Hand Rose, its thrift store. After the death of her husband, she traveled the world and continued to care for her family and friends. She was strong of character and influenced many lives in a positive way. Those who knew her would say she was kind but reserved, a good friend, and devoted grandmother.

Survivors include her son, Thomas McNeill, and his wife Kathleen, of Sandy Hook; daughter, Deborah Labodin, and her husband Urian, of Poughkeepsie; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Calling hours were scheduled for Friday, May 27, from 10 am to noon, at Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 East Main Street, Wappingers Falls, N.Y. A funeral service will be held following visitation, at noon, at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Wappingers Rural Cemetery, Wappingers Falls.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her name to the Poughkeepsie United Methodist Church, 2381 New Hackensack Road, Poughkeepsie NY 12603.

To send the family a personal condolence, visit www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.

The Newtown Bee        May 27, 2011