Lucille McNeil Robertson

Robertson, Lucille Rickard McNeil passed away on July 12, 2022. She was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio the only daughter of Carl and Beatrice Rickard. Her son, John R. McNeil; her parents; her brother, Harold and husbands, John H. McNeil and James E. Robertson have pre deceased her.

When World War II was declared, Lucille changed her college major from Education to Arts and Sciences as she prepared to study Nursing. She subsequently completed her studies at St. Luke's Hospital School of Nursing in Cleveland, Ohio, Case Western Reserve University, Kent State University and the University of South Florida.

Her marriage to John (Mac) McNeil resulted in building a ranch style house on eight acres of land in rural Chesterland, Ohio, east of Cleveland. Their three children grew up learning about farming sweet corn and hay, raising Hereford cattle for 4H Competition and enjoying grooming and riding as well as boarding horses. In December of 1969, two years after Mac's untimely death, the family moved to Clearwater Florida, where her parents had retired. Lucille worked at Morton Plant Hospital until 1971 when she accepted a nursing education position at St. Josephs Hospital in Tampa. She was active in both local and national education organizations and activities. In December of 1976 she moved to Tampa.

As an active member of Forest Hills United Methodist Church she hosted a singles group New Year's Eve party, December 31st, 1982. Here she met James Robertson. It appeared this was meant to be, the timing was perfect for them to be married on April16, 1983. Jim was retired so it was not long before Lucille joined him to enjoy memorable travels and many blended family celebrations.

She continued her association with St. Joseph's as an active member of the Auxiliary from 1986 - 1993, developing and directing a Nursing Service Volunteer Program. With the advent of St. Joseph's hospital Parish Nursing Outreach, Lucille, then a member of Idlewild Baptist Church, was instrumental in establishing and participating in the program there from 1993 - 2002.

In 2002 Jim and Lucille joined Lake Magdalene United Methodist Church where Lucille has been a participating member of the United Methodist Women Naomi Circle, the Friendship Sunday School Class and the Widow's Social Support Group.

She is survived by her daughters, Patricia Ann McNeil Authenreith of Cuyahoga Falls, OH., Kathleen McNeil Bussey (Bill) of Marietta, GA; daughter in law, Jan West McNeil of Pinellas Park, FL.; step children, Naomi Robertson Stawicki of Brandon, FL. and James E. Robertson of Franklin, N.C.; grandchildren, Kimberly Vongsyprasom (Mike) of Clearwater, FL., John R. McNeil Jr. of St. Petersburg, FL., David (Vanessa) McNeil of Tampa, FL., Christi Koberg (Lance) of Dallas, GA., William "Chip" Bussey (Kelli) of Dallas, GA., and Chantel Rios of TX. She is also survived by 14 great grandchildren.

A celebration of Life will be held Sepetember 25th at Lake Magdelene United Methodist Church at at 2;30 P.M. in the Sanctuary. There is a reception following the service in Heritage Hall.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to the Florida United Methodist Children's Home, 51 Children's Way, Enterprise, FL 32725; Lake Magdalene Faith Community Nursing, the A-Team or the charity of your choice.