Elizabeth "Liz" Neill

Elizabeth "Liz" Neill, age 83, was lifted home on July 3, 2014, following a long illness. She was the loving wife of Richard "Rip" Neill for 62 years. Caring mother of Sue, Cindy Bannan, Betty, Chris (John) Rodriguez, Donna (Tom) Brennan, Rich (Andrea), Dave (Gina), Mary (John) Jaye, and Jim (Erin). Devoted grandmother of 23, including Eric (Christie) and Alan Olson; Sean (Katie), Ryan, and Patrick Bannan; Colleen Hunter; Christopher (Jamie), Matt, and Jason (Valerie Jackson) Rodriguez; Thomas (Cynthia), Sarah (Charlie) Jorgenson, Dan (fiancé Amanda), and Adam Brennan; Tahlia, Dakota, and Demetria Neill; Madison and Brendan Neill; Ian, Colin, and Carly Jaye; Maggie and Patrick Neill. Sweet great-grandmother of six, including Charlotte Olson; Logan and Miles Bannan; Isla and Juliet Rodriguez; Jack Rodriguez. Liz was preceded in death by her sisters Ellen Johnson and Katie Theisen. She was loved by many nieces and nephews.

More than anything Liz loved her family, and she gave tirelessly of her time, attention, and care to her husband and children. Liz was a member of St. Alfred Catholic Church in Taylor for 38 years. She earned bachelor and master degrees in special education from Eastern Michigan University, going on to teach at St. Alfred School and Taylor Public Schools for over 16 years. Liz loved to travel, and she enjoyed many cross-country road-trips in the family station wagon. Liz and Rip continued their adventures into their golden years, as they traveled extensively across the U.S., Canada, and overseas.

Liz had a servant's heart and was involved in many volunteer activities at her church, Our Lady of Victory, and in the Northville community. She gave time and talent to pancake breakfasts and funeral luncheons; created garments for those in need with her church sewing ministry; and was "Mrs. Claus" for the annual Christmas breakfast—one of her most favorite experiences! No matter what she did or where she went, Liz's beautiful smile and magnetic spirit drew people to her, touching many lives along the way.

Visitation is Monday from 4 to 8 p.m., and Tuesday from 1 to 8 p.m. with Scripture Service at 7 p.m., Harry J. Will Funeral Home, 37000 Six Mile Rd., Livonia. Funeral mass is Wednesday at 10 a.m., instate 9:30 a.m., Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 133 Orchard Drive, Northville. Donations to Angela Hospice and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital are appreciated.