Nancy Rae Neill

Nancy Rae Neill, 69, died on Friday, June 10, 2011, at Hospice Alliance in Kenosha, WI., after a brief battle with cancer.

She was born on January 18, 1942, in Philadelphia, PA. Nancy graduated from Horton Watkins High School in Ladue, MO. She received her B.A. from Park College in Parkville, MO, and a Master of Education from the University of Missouri, Columbia, MO. She also received a Certificate of Advanced Study in Reading, Language and Disabilities from Harvard University, Boston, MA, in 1988.

Nancy was passionate about education. She began as an elementary classroom teacher in 1963 and after many promotions became in 1988 the Director of Reading and Language Arts, grades K-6, for the Racine Unified School District, from which she retired in 2002. She was past president of the Racine Association of Childhood Education, of the local chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma International Society for Women Educators, and of the Racine/Kenosha Reading Council. She was also a member of the Wisconsin State Reading Association and the International Reading Association.

Nancy was a faith-filled and devoted member of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Racine, WI, where she was also an elder. On the mission committee, she reached out to others in need in her community and the world. A life-long learner, she always participated in Bible and book groups. She also studied at the Holy Wisdom Monastery in Madison, WI where she became a Benedictine oblate in April 2011.

She will be missed for her deep compassion, her keen mind and her generous spirit. She was fun, strong, witty, independent and tender-hearted. She lived in love and laughter.

Nancy is survived by her sister, Kathy (Doug) Kirchner; and nephews David (Kim), Daniel (Linda) and James ( Kathy), all in Minnesota; and nine great-nieces and great-nephews. She is also survived by many friends and her Covenant church family. She was preceded in death by her parents, The Reverend James and Mary Neill.

A memorial service will be held to celebrate her life on Wednesday, June 29, 2011, at 11 a.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 40 Ohio St., Racine, WI, with Pastor Melanie Hammond Clark, Pastor Victoria Millar and Pastor Mary Steege officiating. A visitation will begin at 10 a.m. at the church until the service time. Inurnment will be in Minnesota at a later date. Memorials are suggested to Covenant Presbyterian Church or a charity of your choice.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine   (262) 634-7888