Marcy Ashenhurst McNeill

Marcy McNeill was born in Chicago, Illinois to James Harold and Elin Barkman Ashenhurst. Marcy grew up in the Chicago suburb of Lombard, where she attended Willowbrook High School. She earned a Bachelor of Arts at Knox College, making many life-long friends. In 1967, she married Tod Brown and had two sons, Kevin and Matthew. She earned an MBA from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs while being a wife and mother. In 1985, Marcy married Paul McNeill, who had two sons, Chad and Cory, and the two families became one.

Marcy had a professional career in administration for the 4th Judicial District at the El Paso County Courthouse, and retired as Clerk of the Combined Courts. She later followed her passion for travel and worked at Taylor Travel. She also enjoyed being a substitute teacher in District 11. For 35 years, Marcy was a dedicated member of First Congregational United Church of Christ in Colorado Springs. She held many leadership positions, taught Sunday School, attended conferences on behalf of the church, and worked in many capacities, including President of the Congregation. She also joined the Pikes Peak Kiwanis Club and, along with two other women, broke the gender barrier by being one of the first female members. Marcy was the first woman to serve as President of the Pikes Peak Kiwanis Club.

Marcy's love of travel led her to study in Sweden while in college, she learned the language and met many Swedish cousins, who she continued to be close to until the time of her death. Over the course of her life, Marcy visited Sweden more than 20 times, and she visited 50 foreign countries on 5 continents, and 49 of the 50 states. Marcy led tours for Elderhostel/Roads Scholar tour groups to Scandinavia and the Baltics. She and her husband, Paul, enjoyed numerous cruises together, as well as trips with children, and grandchildren. She traveled to Africa, Asia, Australia, Central America, Europe, Scandinavia, Iceland, and more.

She is survived by her husband, Paul McNeill, sons Kevin Brown (Lauren) of Columbia, Missouri, Matthew Brown (Lindsay) of Denver, and Chad McNeill (Doreen) of Paso Robles, California. She also is survived by her brother, John Ashenhurst (Yvonne), her sister, Julie Andrews, and three grandchildren, Aelias and Alana Brown, and Logan McNeill and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents and Cory McNeill. Marcy's family was her most important treasure. Her presence will be sorely missed, for she was the anchor of our family. Her legacy and her memory will remain in our hearts forever.

A memorial service will be Saturday, October 21 at 5pm, at the First Congregational Church at 20 East St. Vrain Street, 80903.

Memorial contributions can be made in her name to youth camp programs at: LaForet Conference and Retreat Center, 6145 Shoup Road Colorado Springs, CO 80908. Contributions can be sent to the First Congregational Church with a designation for her memorial.