Anne McEwen McNeill

It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our remarkable Mom, Nana, Wife, Sister, Aunt & Friend, who will be remembered as a force of nature, love, and laughter. She passed on Monday, January 8th, 2024, surrounded by her loving children and grandchildren.

Born on December 6th, 1942, Anne wasn't just a matriarch; she was the heartbeat and anchor of our family. Her life's masterpiece was a home where warmth, common sense, tough love, unparalleled care and acceptance thrived. Anne was fortunate to have met her soulmate growing up in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Unfortunately, Ken McNeill passed away and left her and the family too soon at the young age of 56. Life after losing Ken was hard, but Anne was a new grandmother and the laughter of a young baby turned out to be the best medicine to heal a broken heart. Anne found peace and joy walking around Balboa Island which sparked the idea of building a home on the island soon thereafter. This passion project gave Anne purpose and the ability to make new friends and memories with her growing family.

Her friends and family will always remember her smile and infectious laughter and absolute love of family. Anne and Ken leave behind five adult children and ten grandchildren who fondly called her Nana. She will forever be remembered as the most caring, selfless, practical and indelible mother and grandmother. Her wisdom wasn’t born out of books or an institutional education. It came from a well lived life full of colorful experiences, wonderful people and a journey that spanned continents, oceans and eight decades. Her advice was always practical, honest and when needed, as comforting as a warm hug. She was the best friend you didn't know you had. Her children, grandchildren and friends will always cherish her meticulous nature, making sure she was in the loop of every detail in their lives, impressively attempting to stay hip to current music, slang and tech so she could participate, counsel, cheer them on or be the shoulder to lean on.

The coolest Nana to ten grandchildren, Anne was always seen at holiday recitals or in the bleachers cheering on the kids as they played various sports … she became such a pillar at Sage Hill basketball games the crowd was known to chant “Ohhhhh Nana!” when she arrived in the cheering section. We were all extremely fortunate to be embraced by her humor and love. Her home was a magical realm of rambunctious running around, games of hide ‘n seek, delicious meals, board games, puzzles, music, dancing, singing, holiday parties and glorious days on the beach. It was not uncommon for Nana to get a case of the "giggles" and her giggling hysterically caused the rest around to laugh and tease her which inevitably prompted more. A place where every grandchild felt welcomed and safe. Her care and generosity knew no bounds, and the memories of her unconditional love will forever be etched in the hearts of those she leaves behind – along with a collection of hilarious family stories and memories.

Anne wasn't just a family anchor; she was a community comet, leaving trails of kindness, care and generosity wherever she went. Her home was a place for neighbors to stop in, for games of Bunco and Pearl Street block parties. It was a revolving door of friendship and warmth, through good times and bad.

In her memory, Anne would not want us to mourn with endless tears and grief, but to celebrate her life by recounting funny stories and good times she shared with us all. Before she passed, Anne made sure we knew that she felt she had lived a good and full life filled with the best family and friends. She felt lucky and enriched by all of her life's experiences. She loved the simple things in her life. The comfort of her home, her music, her books, her travels and sharing her good fortune with all of us. Anne may have physically left us, but her indomitable spirit, her grit, her fight and her deep belief in finding the silver lining on even the hardest of days, lives on in the hearts of those she touched.

May Anne rest in peace, surrounded by her much-loved spouse, family and friends who passed before her. She will be dearly missed, but one thing is certain – she will never be forgotten, especially when we share a good laugh, a family dinner or watch a Hallmark movie, just the way she would have wanted.

Join us in a joyous celebration of life to honor our Mom, Nana and Friend on Saturday, February 17th at her home, 401 North Bay Front on Balboa Island, Newport Beach, California at 10:00AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a Cancer Charity of your choice in her name or more specifically, https://foundationforwomenscancer.org/gynecological-cancers/primary-peritoneal-cancer/