Obituary for Neil Herbert McDonnell
McDonnell; Neil Herbert - It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Neil McDonnell at The John M. Parrott Centre in Napanee, Ont, on March 18, 2020 in his 78th year. Throughout his journey with Alzheimer’s, Neil was surrounded by the love of his family and friends. His kind and gentle soul will be missed by his wife of 52 years, Catherine McDonnell (nee Cassidy), his two sons, Spencer McDonnell (Lisa) of Toronto and Shawn McDonnell (Ali) of Napanee as well as his grandchildren Maggie McDonnell, Ethan McDonnell and Thomas McDonnell. Neil will be remembered by his siblings the late Ted McDonnell, Wayne McDonnell of Amherstview and Marlene Young of Kingston and his in-laws Colleen Hogle of Napanee, Joanne Burns (Gerrard) of Kingston and Theresa Wicklam (Phil) of Marlbank, along with numerous dear relatives and close friends.
Neil will be remembered for many things, but especially for embracing the joy of life to the fullest. He laughed, and smiled and never took himself or anyone else too seriously. He was the first person everyone called for help and he was the first person to reach out to others when help was needed. He epitomized the phrase, “in a world where you can be anything, be kind”. Our worlds have been enriched in enumerable ways by his presence in our lives.
The family would like to extend sincere thanks to the staff of the SOS/VON Adult Day program and to the staff of The John M. Parrott Centre who ensured that Neil was exceptionally cared for and more importantly loved during his 5 month residence. Your compassionate care provided Neil with dignity in the twilight of his life and his family with peace of mind.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wartman Funeral Home - Napanee Chapel. Cremation has taken place. Due to current circumstances, visitation and funeral will be announced at a later date. If you so wish, the family would appreciate donations to the KFL&A Alzheimer’s Society in Neil’s memory.
In honour of a life well lived, we hope that you will take a moment today to raise a glass of something you love and toast his beautiful life.
On-line condolences at www.wartmanfuneralhomes.com
Neil will be remembered for many things, but especially for embracing the joy of life to the fullest. He laughed, and smiled and never took himself or anyone else too seriously. He was the first person everyone called for help and he was the first person to reach out to others when help was needed. He epitomized the phrase, “in a world where you can be anything, be kind”. Our worlds have been enriched in enumerable ways by his presence in our lives.
The family would like to extend sincere thanks to the staff of the SOS/VON Adult Day program and to the staff of The John M. Parrott Centre who ensured that Neil was exceptionally cared for and more importantly loved during his 5 month residence. Your compassionate care provided Neil with dignity in the twilight of his life and his family with peace of mind.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wartman Funeral Home - Napanee Chapel. Cremation has taken place. Due to current circumstances, visitation and funeral will be announced at a later date. If you so wish, the family would appreciate donations to the KFL&A Alzheimer’s Society in Neil’s memory.
In honour of a life well lived, we hope that you will take a moment today to raise a glass of something you love and toast his beautiful life.
On-line condolences at www.wartmanfuneralhomes.com