Kathryn McNeill

“You are. Are you okay with that?”

“Yes. I’m okay with it.”

“You’ve lived a good life and you’ve been a wonderful Mom to us.”

“I like your shirt.”

Our Mom, Kathryn Diane Veronica Blady McNeill (August 22, 1942), passed away on September 30, 2025, so very peacefully, with dignity and grace, at 83 years of age. Mom was not only a class act, but our lifelong friend, protector, companion, and advocate. Mom was married to our dad for more than 30 years, and while it didn't last, my brother and I remain very grateful for the effort.

One of the defining relationships in her life was the care she provided to one of the best men we knew, her father-in-law John, in his declining years. We tried to honor her in her last years as she did our Pop-Pop in his last years, while the amazing caregivers and admin at Woodlawn Meadows lead the way. Big shout-out to Woodlawn Meadows (best MC and ALF ever!), and their amazing angels of care!

Mom was raised Catholic, but fell away. Mom was concerned about whether she would go to Heaven, but had asked for forgiveness and believed in Jesus Christ. Mom studied at Temple University, attended at least one frat party, and hung out with Bill Cosby (before it was still cool and apparently not yet dangerous), until her oldest came along when she became a mother at 21, and then again 16 months after that.

Mom worked as a bank teller, befriended our Aunt Mary, established the Washington Twp, NJ Public Library, worked in schools, owned an antique shop, was a realtor, and volunteered with food delivery to our jail. Mom devoted herself to her family, libraries, hospice and charitable efforts, her several dogs and the dog park here. Mom wanted to contribute, to make situations better or simply offer of herself, even as it became increasingly difficult for her to do so. When one of us lost sight in one eye, Mom offered (quite a few times) one of her eyes so we could see again properly.

Mom was her father's daughter, a world-renowned head and neck cancer specialist/surgeon, the son of Polish immigrants from Wisconsin, a great cook and of whom she was very proud. Her mother arrived in Tacoma at age 16, on a ship by herself, from Newcastle-on-Tyne in England. Mom was born and raised in Philadelphia, the really-nice-Grace Kelly part, and never understood why she didn't realize her mother spoke with an accent (until a friend pointed it out when she was a teenager.)

GrammarKiki, AlKayda ~ always determined, usually convinced she was right, Mom could be obstinate and aggressive at bridge and dominoes, and with her opinions. Mom was always our biggest fan, and then a great supporter of her grandchildren, whom she loved very much. I’m not sure I ever heard her really raise her voice, and she put up with a lot from us, especially growing up. Mom was quick to laugh, always wanted to be cheerful, and didn’t suffer fools.

A special thanks to Robin Bartlett for simply being there, Rhonda Martinez for years of friendship, again to the Woodlawn Meadows angels and admin, the great Dan Brown, and to Stacy at the Hastings McDonald’s for always asking after Mom, by name, when Mom could still be driven through and for long after she could not.

Mom kept our families grounded and on track. Mom is survived by Jon Blady (Anna) McNeill, of Broomfield, Colorado, and Shane (Lori) McNeill, of Hastings, Michigan; four grandchildren, Sean, Sam, George and Kelly; brother John Fisher (Mel) Blady, of New Hope, Pennsylvania; nephews, Rush and Derrick, and nieces, Suzanne, Lori and Andi. She was preceded in death by her father, John Valentine Blady, M.D., and her mother, Mary Esther Fisher Blady.

Against my better judgment, but because she would have wanted it; Mom was also preceded in death by her last cat (of several names), her companion and dog, Roger, and before Roger, Wilbur – both of which she had, while living next door to gentlemen named Wilbur and then Roger.

We pray she (“Who’s ‘she’? The cat’s mother?” – that’s an in-joke!) has found the weightless love she gave us in her life. Rest in peace, good and faithful Mom.

“Good night, bless you

Let angels possess you

Don't think it’s too much

To close your eyes and leave us

You know how I'll miss you

And the building blocks

Sometimes have to crash

Not meant to last

like a mother's love”

A small service and remembrance of celebration is tentatively planned for October 25, 2025 at The Jefferson, 103 W. State Street, Hastings MI 49058 starting at 10am with brunch at 10:30am and service at 11:30am led by Pastor Mick McCrumb.