ANDOVER – Mary Jane McNeill, 87, passed away peacefully on Saturday, (September 28, 2024), at The Hart Comfort House in Wellsville surrounded by her loving family.
Mary Jane was born on April 18, 1937 in Hornell to Harold and Mary Angela (Flanagan) Van Dyke. She was the 1954 Valedictorian of her graduating class at Whitesville Central School. Mary Jane attended Buffalo State College where she earned her Bachelor’s degree with honors in education in 1958. She enjoyed sorority life as she served as treasurer of the Alpha Tau Sigma Sorority and was proud of successfully transitioning from rural to urban life. On June 24, 1961, at Saint John of the Cross Catholic Church in Whitesville, she married Leon James McNeill.
Mary Jane flourished with her career as an elementary school teacher, starting in Cuba in 1958. She also taught in Greenwood and Belmont, reaching even more children. In 1970 she began teaching at Andover Central School until she retired in 1992. In her retirement Mary Jane was a long-term substitute teacher for the Whitesville Central School District. She was also an active member of the Allegany County Retired Teachers Association where she served as president and secretary.
In addition to teaching, Mary Jane also coached Little League Baseball, Modified Girls Basketball, chaperoned band competitions, and served as a den leader for Cub Scouts. She volunteered at the Andover Public Library, sang in the church choir, and was a member of the Red Hats organization, where she enjoyed a sisterhood. Mary Jane was also a wife of a Lion who always supported their mission and activities.
Our dear mother of six and teacher of thousands, was ironically an only child. She consistently demonstrated an open-heart and open-door policy, and at 7 Main Street, it surely was! The backyard, front porch, and kitchen table was always at full capacity, with laughter, stories, and happy chaos! Every summer Mom and Dad ensured a family camping trip and our mother, being a history buff, always included an educational pit-stop. We are so grateful that our mother was our greatest fan, as she never missed our sport or music events. Her love and support for her children and grandchildren was limitless, and as adults and parents ourselves, we now marvel at how she balanced managing a large family and career.
As she transitioned into her life at Manor Hills assisted living her caring attributes continued as she served as Vice President of the Resident Council. She enjoyed being reunited with old friends and made new ones, and loved her interactions with all the staff.
Mary Jane is survived by her six children, her pride and joy, Michele (James) Lucco of Rochester, Michael (Donna), McNeill of Albany, Christopher (Denise) McNeill of Cohoes, Peter McNeill of Andover (Karen DeMun), Mary Davis of Wellsville (Brad Mattison), LeeAnn (Gary) Terhune of Amherst; 16 grandchildren, Joseph (Emily) Lucco, Kaylee (Ryan) Corr, Mari Lucco, Matthew McNeill, Tara McNeill, Devin (Bryan) Egan, McKenzie (Matthew) Nash, Daniel McNeill, Paige (James) Baldwin, James (Gretta Howland) McNeill, Morgan McNeill, Bryce Davis, Ellie (Aidan) Perry, Jack Davis, Liam Terhune, and Claire Terhune; 12 great grandchildren; Nora Lucco, Peter Lucco, Henry Corr, Adeline Corr, Schuyler McNeill, Brady Winne, McKenna Winne, Molly Egan, Lucas Egan, Reid Baldwin, Finn Baldwin, Quinn Baldwin; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
In 2022, she was predeceased by her loving and devoted husband, Leon McNeill and her cherished son-in-law, Dave Davis.
Visitation will be held on Friday (October 4) from 4–8 p.m. at Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday (October 5) at 11:00 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church. Burial will follow in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.
Memorial contributions in Mary Jane’s name may be made to Manor Hills Resident Council, 4192B Bolivar Road, Wellsville, NY 14895. © 2024 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.
