Elsia McNeill's Obituary
Reed City - Softly in the morning she heard a gentle call, she took the hand God offered her and quietly left us all. Elsia (Elsie) McNeill, 93, of Reed City, passed on Saturday, May 15, 2021, at Reed City Fields Assisted Living.
She was born April 5, 1928, in Detroit, the daughter of Vincent and Angelina (Creati) Paparella.
On August 6, 1955 she married Dr. Richard E. McNeill, and they shared 54 years together before his passing on November 23, 2009. They loved to spend time in the outdoors; having lived in Traverse City, Big Rapids, and Grand Marias, they had many opportunities to do so.
While living in Detroit, Elsie worked at Sanders Chocolate & Ice Cream Shoppe, and Packard Motor Company. The family moved to Big Rapids in the early 1960's, and Elsie worked at Ferris State University. She was den mother to Craig's Boy Scout troop, and also volunteered for over 15 years at the Seney Wildlife Refuge. Elsie was an avid hiker and blueberry picker, and was known fondly in Grand Marias as the Blueberry Muffin lady.
She was a strong, independent loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Elsie attended Big Rapids First United Church, Grand Marais Mennonite Church, and Roger Heights Christian Church. As in this quote by John Muir "Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt" Elsie would encourage you to do so.
Elsie is lovingly survived by her son Scott (Kelly) McNeill of Big Rapids; granddaughter Colleen (Mike) Reamer; great-grandsons Cole and Jaxon Reamer; her brother Dr. Michael (Treva) Paparella; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was also preceded in death by her son Craig, brother and sister-in-law Anthony "Tony" and Petie Paparella, and sister and brother-in-law Josephine and Remen Mele.
The family would like to thank the kind and caring staff at Reed City Fields for the great care she received while entrusted to your care. A special thank you to Sarah, Donna, Ramona, and Kaye, as well as all the Hospice of Michigan team for all of your care and compassion. We appreciate every one of you.
A private family dinner will be held at a later date. Elsie will be laid to rest next to Richard in Rose Hill Cemetery in Grand Marias. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name may be made to Hospice of Michigan, 400 Perry Ave., Big Rapids, MI 49307. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.
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