Martha L. McNeill

Born on September 25, 1956 to Peter T. McNeill and Anna Lou McNeill, she spread joy to all who knew her. Raised on a farm in rural Kentucky, her childhood took an unexpected turn when her father’s job moved the family to Bangkok, Thailand. She spent two very happy years haggling in Thai for fruit and attending classes at the International School of Bangkok. Upon returning to Kentucky she finished out her high school years in Nicholasville and after several more international adventures through Europe and Asia, went on to receive a Masters in Social Work from the University of Kentucky.

Martha was a loving, caring mother who was always up for an adventure. It was very frequent that the door would burst open in the summer, to announce her return home and an invitation to get ready to go to the lake, where she spent countless hours with her family. She was the type of person who could make you feel like you were the funniest, most interesting person and always knew the right question to ask at the right time.

Due to her big heart, Martha was always drawn to careers which allowed her to exercise her compassion and empathy and found herself working for the Kluge Children’s Clinic in Charlottesville, VA, Carilion Hospice of Franklin County, and as a social work professor at Ferrum College. However, Martha’s most treasured post was as the Receptionist at the Dominican House of Studies where she worked for the last decade of her life. In that time she made many deep bonds and connections with both the brothers at the house and the Catholic community which attended mass there.

She is survived by her children, Michaela (Anthony) Pelaprat of Laon, France and Conor (Viviane) Leray-Scott of Chabottes, France; three of her siblings, Dr. Sam McNeill, Dr. Judy Linger, and Rev. Andrew McNeill; her grandchildren, Gwendoline Pelaprat and Constance Pelaprat; and the entire Catholic family of Brookland, Washington D.C.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, DC or Little Workers of the Sacred Hearts.

Friends may call on Wednesday, Jine 26 at the DeVol Funeral Home, 2222 Wisconsin Ave. N.W. from 2pm until 4 pm.We extend our thanks and gratitude for the kindness and prayers which have been extended to Martha and to us.

Mass of Christian burial will be offered on Thursday, June 27 at 10:00 AM at the Dominican House of Studies (487 Michigan Ave., N.E.) to celebrate her life, followed by a reception at CASA.