Barbara Ann Neil
December 30, 1932 ~ March 16, 2021
Barbara Ann (Light) Neil, 88, died peacefully at home on March 16, 2021. She was the widow of her beloved husband William J Neil, Jr. She is survived by her three children Karen Neil Drenkard (Graham), Linda Neil Kelley (Joseph), and W. John Neil (Donna); her five grandchildren, Jenny, Scott, Mark, Kristin and John, and 3 great-granddaughters Skylar, Hailey and Riley.
She was born in Paterson, NJ, attended Ridgewood High School, and graduated with a B.A. in Economics from Bucknell University in 1954. She met her husband William John Neil, Jr, commuting on the train to New York City. She worked until she was 80 years old as a title searcher, starting her own company, Barbara Neil Abstractors. She was well known for her warm and generous hospitality, opening her Wyckoff home for many pool parties and holiday gatherings.
Barbara lived most of her life in Wyckoff, NJ, and moved to northern Virginia in 2017. She loved her family, her children and grandchildren, and was blessed to have three little great-granddaughters in her life. Barbara was a wonderful traveler, and shared her love generously with her family on trips to Italy and Jamaica and the beaches of the Outer Banks where wonderful memories were created. She had many friendships that endured for decades and those friends were very devoted to her.
Barbara was a committed volunteer at the Wyckoff Public Schools, Church of the Good Shepherd, Trinity Episcopal Church, and the St Paul’s Men’s Shelter in Paterson, NJ. Her gracious style, warm welcome to all, and sense of humor will always be remembered and missed. For many years on Christmas Eve she would serve as Mrs. Claus, supporting her husband’s long standing Christmas tradition of traveling the neighborhoods of Wyckoff on his sleigh as Santa Claus, stopping to sing Christmas Carols and deliver candy to the children. Please eat a piece of chocolate and remember Barbara, as her sweet tooth was legendary.
Funeral services and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Paul’s Community Development Corporation at 456 Van Houten St., Paterson, NJ 07501 or online at http://bit.ly/spcdc-donations. (memo: In memory of B. Neil).
She was born in Paterson, NJ, attended Ridgewood High School, and graduated with a B.A. in Economics from Bucknell University in 1954. She met her husband William John Neil, Jr, commuting on the train to New York City. She worked until she was 80 years old as a title searcher, starting her own company, Barbara Neil Abstractors. She was well known for her warm and generous hospitality, opening her Wyckoff home for many pool parties and holiday gatherings.
Barbara lived most of her life in Wyckoff, NJ, and moved to northern Virginia in 2017. She loved her family, her children and grandchildren, and was blessed to have three little great-granddaughters in her life. Barbara was a wonderful traveler, and shared her love generously with her family on trips to Italy and Jamaica and the beaches of the Outer Banks where wonderful memories were created. She had many friendships that endured for decades and those friends were very devoted to her.
Barbara was a committed volunteer at the Wyckoff Public Schools, Church of the Good Shepherd, Trinity Episcopal Church, and the St Paul’s Men’s Shelter in Paterson, NJ. Her gracious style, warm welcome to all, and sense of humor will always be remembered and missed. For many years on Christmas Eve she would serve as Mrs. Claus, supporting her husband’s long standing Christmas tradition of traveling the neighborhoods of Wyckoff on his sleigh as Santa Claus, stopping to sing Christmas Carols and deliver candy to the children. Please eat a piece of chocolate and remember Barbara, as her sweet tooth was legendary.
Funeral services and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Paul’s Community Development Corporation at 456 Van Houten St., Paterson, NJ 07501 or online at http://bit.ly/spcdc-donations. (memo: In memory of B. Neil).
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I’m reflecting today on how Grammy never wanted to miss a minute of any party. She was wanting us to plan events to look forward to up until the very end! I already miss her so deeply, but will treasure memories of all the events (both big and small) that she was able to be present for.
We were fortunate to have known and loved your Grammy and will miss her terribly. Love to your family and to you especially now and in the days ahead.
From the early days to the very end, my mom was a resilient woman who lived “family first.” When we reflect on her life – she was a child of the depression, lived through 2 World Wars, raised 3 children, lost her husband when she was 58 years old, and yet managed 30 more years of creating laughter and fun and love; adventure and a new way forward. She graduated from college in the 1950s (she was a woman!) – started her own business, worked until she was 80! Was brave enough to move to Virginia at age 84 for the final chapter of her life. It has been a privilege and an honor to have Barbara Neil as my mother, but more importantly, my role model and friend. “Job well done” Mommy. You will be missed but most importantly we love you. Karen
My husband John and I were Barbara’s neighbors across the street in Wyckoff for 27 years. Barbara was a wonderful person who had a great sense of humor. She and Bill were so helpful when we first moved in. Our children loved Christmas Holidays when Bill and Barbara used to dress up as Santa and Mrs Claus. Barbara was so supportive and kind to us throughout our life living in Wyckoff. She will be sorely missed. Her smile, quick wit and generous nature is what I will remember always. Rest in Peace Barbara. I know you are with God. With deepest sympathy, Maria Sedlack.
Dear Maria, We are so happy to hear from you! And you and your family were such a sense of comfort to us when my dad was dying – and you were a great friend to my mom for the many years she lived across the street from you. Thank you for your kind words of comfort. Karen