Mary Margaret Neill

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Margaret Neill (née Friend), who died of natural causes on January 14, 2025, in Cardiff, California, at the age of 93. Mary was born on October 10, 1931, in Lynn, Massachusetts, to Charles and Helen Friend. She was one of six daughters, growing up alongside her beloved sisters Katherine, Helen, Dorothy, Barbara, and Ann.

From an early age, Mary demonstrated a passion for learning—a passion that would guide the rest of her life. She graduated from Salem State Teachers College and earned a Master’s degree in Education from Northeastern University. Her devotion to education led her to teach in the Lynn, Massachusetts public school system. In addition, she taught the children of servicemen stationed in Japan for the 1957-1958 school year. She relocated to San Diego in 1964 and worked as a special education teaching assistant at Bay Park, Kate Sessions, Pacific Beach and Toler Elementary, touching countless lives with her kindness, patience, and commitment to helping every child reach their potential.

Mary's greatest love was her family. She raised four sons—William, Patrick, Robert, and Thomas—instilling in each of them the values of compassion and curiosity. Mary was also a proud Nana to Joseph, Andrew, Benjamin, Emily, and Lucia, taking every opportunity to nurture and celebrate their unique strengths.

Mary had an insatiable love of reading; she often devoured a novel a week, and tried to instill that same love to her children by taking them on weekly trips to the library. She was known for her warm laugh, kind spirit, and a rather pronounced sweet tooth—particularly when it came to fudge. A spiritual woman at heart, Mary attended Catholic Mass and drew strength from her faith throughout her life.

When she wasn’t teaching or reading, Mary enjoyed watching her favorite TV shows—ranging from classic episodes of The Waltons to reality shows on TLC, where her sense of humor shone through. She was a nurturing presence everywhere she went, always ready to support children in need of guidance or a listening ear. Many people, beyond her own family, affectionately thought of her as their “second mother” because of the warmth and reassurance she offered so freely.

Mary is predeceased by her parents, Charles and Helen Friend, as well as two of her sisters, Helen Zampell and Katherine MacDonald. She is survived by her remaining sisters Dorothy (Louis), Barbara, and Ann, her children William, Patrick (Heather), Robert (Stephanie), and Thomas (Sarah), and her grandchildren Joseph, Andrew, Benjamin, Emily, and Lucia as well as her former spouse, John Neill.

A private graveside service will be held. There will be an open house reception beginning at 12:30pm on February 9, 2025, at the home of Robert and Stephanie Neill to honor Mary’s life. In keeping with her spirit, no donations or flowers are requested. Instead, Mary would want you to go out, have a drink, share a few laughs, and remember a fond moment you shared with her. May her legacy live on in the many lives she touched—with her caring nature, her enthusiasm for learning, and the joy she found in simple pleasures.

Mary will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those who were fortunate enough to know her. Her loving spirit, sense of humor, and unwavering compassion will remain an enduring source of comfort and inspiration.