Mary Catherine McNeil, age 77, of Cedar Falls, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Thuesen Cottage in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
Mary was born on August 31, 1947, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Daniel and Catherine (Hines) McNeil. She graduated from DeSales High School in Ossian in 1965. Mary continued her education at Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, later earning her BA from UNI in 1970 and her MA from Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin in 1991.
Mary dedicated 33 years of her career to education, teaching in the Waterloo School District. After retiring from teaching, she continued serving her community through her work in customer service at Von Maur for over 30 years. She was a devoted member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Waterloo.
Mary is survived by her siblings; Barbara McNeil of Coralville, IA, Dan (Nancy) McNeil of Bells, TN, Mary Jane (Reg) Tehel of Norwalk, IA, and James (Karen) McNeil of Alexandria, VA. She is also remembered fondly by her nieces and nephews; Megan (Tony) Giudicessi of Waukee, IA, Brooke (Daniel) White of Overland Park, KS, Kristin (Brandon) Costa of St. Paul, MN, Andrew (Jenny) McNeil of Somerville, NJ and Kelley (fiancé, Roman Milosch) McNeil of Elmhurst, IL. Mary also had 4 great-nieces and 2 great-nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel and Catherine McNeil.
A Private Memorial Mass will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be directed to Mercy One Cancer Center, 200 E. Ridgeway Ave, Waterloo, IA 50702.
Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of West Union, Iowa is assisting the family with services.