Nancy was a 'live wire.' She brought spark to my Uncle Chuck, researched my family history, taught me Scottish Country dancing and dressed my husband in a kilt!
Love and condolences to her children, grandchildren and all who loved her.
Pamela McNeill Badger, 22 February 2005
Thank you for visiting mom's online memorial. We want you to know that you can make donations in memory of Nancy B. McNeill to The Friendship Center for Alzheimers in Santa Barbara and HELP of Carpinteria, 1069 Casitas Pass Rd. We encourage you to give blood. A blood donation can be made at Carpinteria Community Church, Mar. 3, 2005 4-7 PM.
John and Geoff Kern, 23 February 2005
Please join us at a celebration of Nancy's life at 10 AM on March 19, 2005, at the Carpinteria Community Church, 1111 Vallecito Lane, Carpinteria, California
John Kern, 23 February 2005
My grandma was a strong woman. She had a powerful sense of right and of duty, especially to her family. When something needed to be done, she was the one to turn to. She could find the right ballet instructor for a cranky six year old, arrange to have a house remodeled while its occupant was away, or explain, in great detail, why it is that sheep dogs were so important to the economic health of Scotland. We were all very lucky to have her in our lives. With love,
Bliss, 23 February 2005
We would like to express our deep, heart-felt condolences to the Kern family on the passing of Nancy. We loved her dearly. But while we mourn her loss we also celebrate a great lady who loved life in it’s richness and diversity, and who cared deeply for those around her. We are indebted to her for documenting our history. Her loving care for Chuck in his declining years was something to emulate. We are richer for having known her.
With Love,
Patty, Rich, Leila, Nathan
Richard Kessler McNeill, Jr., 24 February 2005
I learned the names of plants and birds from my mom. Some of my first cell phone calls were from my kayak when I needed help figuring our a hawk or a heron or a kingfisher. After walks on the beach I would come report to her what strange birds I had seen and she knew more about them than I did, for instance, their names.
Support your local birding society and think of Nancy McNeill.
John, 25 February 2005
Nancy's obituary appeared in Coastal View News in Carpinteria on Feb. 24, 2005. It can be viewed on line at www.coastalview.com. Click on "this week" or "search archives".
John, 25 February 2005
I am forever grateful to have had the pleasure of having such a loving person a part of my life. She taught me that despite having a long term illness it does not mean you have to stop living. Her courage and fight for life were an inspiration to us all. She was always interested in the day to day happenings of her children and the many others she loved. She was not only my second Mom she was my dear friend. I feel so blessed for the time we shared together.
Karen Lindsey Kern, 25 February 2005
In 1966 when I was spending my summer working for Uncle Chuck, as I had done for three previous summers, I was letting my hair grow long, and wanting to wear mod hippie clothes. I found this really cool, but large, baggy old pin striped suit (grey with pink pin stripes)at a 2nd hand store in Santa Barbara. Instead of being critical of my apperal intrests, Nancy took that suit and tailored it to fit me, tapered an all. It was awesome, she was so cool.
Richard K. Mcneill, Jr., 25 February 2005
My twin sister, Annie S. McNeill, spoke with Nancy often by phone and through letters and cards, and cared for Nancy deeply. Annie was diagnosed with a Lipoma Sarcoma cancer in Late November. She has subsequently had surgery and by the grace of God is expected a full recovery. I'm writing this because she's still at home recovering without access to a computer, and I know she would want to express her love and condolenses. God Bless and Namaste
Rich McNeill, 1 March 2005
Nancy was a good detective. What most people would consider trash, she would turn into a clue to solve an unexplained event. She could take a store receipt, in the bottom of a crumpled brown bag, and deduce an entire evening's worth of goings on. Perhaps she learned this skill as a librarian at Carp High. More likely she acquired it in her role as Mom. I will remember her best, not for her sleuthing ability, but for being the mother of my very good friend, John. Nancy, we will all miss you.
Alice (Skeen) Berg, 1 March 2005
Mom's Song
v1 & chorus
I still feel your strength
Deep inside of me
Standing in the sacredness
Of your generosity
I still see the sparkle in your eyes
You always knew I would make it if I tried
And you believed in me
When others just were mean to me
When I had my doubts
You bragged about my victory
You stood by me right or wrong
Always kept me feeling strong
Though you've gone away
Your spirit now carries on
Geoff Kern, 11 March 2005
Wish you were here for Dad's wedding. You raised a bunch of great boys!
11 March 2005
Mom's Song, by Geoff, captures a lot of my feelings.
Will, 11 March 2005
Nancy & I were distant cousins & became friends through our interests in Lincoln, the Hanks Family, & the history of Coles & Edgar Counties in Illinois. We met in about 1975 in Charleston & have corresponded ever since. I heard from her in October, 2004 when she wrote me about, "The Hanks Family of Virginia and Westward." She was always enthusiastic & interested in so many things. She was truly a joy to know & I will think pleasantly of her each time I read through the book she was so proud of.
David Kent Coy of Decatur, Illinois, 13 March 2005
Thanks Mom, for letting me know how proud and happy you were that Melissa and I planned to marry. We so much wanted you to be able to enjoy the ceremony and the party. It went splendidly and many blessings of love and friendship were given and received. You were missed, but we were buoyed by your sweet support.
John, 14 March 2005
I will miss Nancy’s beautiful smile and her warm heart, Nancy was involved in our American Field Service Club (exchange students), at Carpinteria High. I will always remember her care and concern. I fondly remember the beautiful meal that Nancy and Chuck lovingly prepared and served at their beautiful home off Ladera Lane, in the spring of 1972, for several prom dates attending the Carpinteria High School Prom that evening. That was a highlight that I will continue to cherish.
John Chufar, Carpinteria High Class of 1972, 18 March 2005
I am F.R.U.T.B. with emotion and memories. I had the great honor of getting to know Nancy during the five years that I dated her son, Will. She was a most gracious woman. Nancy lives on in my home and in my heart.
Karen Thompson, 18 March 2005
AND YOU BELIEVED IN ME
verse two - I still hear your laugh Echoing in me
Something extraordinary You were quick to see I still mark the glory of your grace You would light up a room and put pleasure on each face And you believed in me When others just were mean to me ...
Geoff, 23 March 2005