Bernadette Catherine "Bunny" Neal

1932 - 2019

Bernadette Catherine (Toner) "Bunny" Neal of Vernon, passed away on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at her home.Born in Hodgdon, Maine on February 11, 1932, Bernadette was referred to by family and friends as "Bunny" her entire life. She was one of six children born to Anna (Cassidy) Toner and Edward H. Toner, all of whom preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death was her husband Kenneth Neal, to whom she was married from 1954 until his passing in 1998.After attending St Mary's Catholic Grade School and Hodgdon High School, from which she graduated in 1949, Bunny went on to attend college at Farmington Teachers College (now known as the University of Maine at Farmington), graduating in 1953 with a degree in Education. She enjoyed a long career teaching Home Economics at Hodgdon High School, Rockville High School, and Manchester High School, from which she retired after three decades of teaching.Bunny and Ken welcomed four sons into their family, raising them while she went on to attain her Master's degree in Education at the University of Connecticut. She was a member of the Connecticut Education Association as well as the National Education Association, and a longtime parishioner of St. Bernard's Catholic Church. Among the many interests she engaged in, Bunny loved her annual summer tradition of growing and selling corn, becoming known locally as "the Corn Lady". She also delighted the many people who drove past her house between Thanksgiving and New Years with the festive Holiday display covering her yard and home, including the first (and still only) revolving outdoor lighted Christmas Tree. A highlight of her life was attending the many sporting events of her beloved grandchildren, her busy social schedule (she loved going out to lunch and tailgate parties!), happy hours with her family and friends, and cheering on the UCONN girls basketball team.Bunny leaves behind her children and their spouses, Rod (Trisha), Rick (Karen), Randy (Patti), and Rusty; her grandchildren Mackenzie, Cody, Winston, Michael, Haley, Hunter, Cameron, and Colin; and her numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, not to mention a multitude of friends, all of whom will miss her very much.Prior to her passing, Bunny requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Thomas Quigley Scholarship Fund, c/o 7 Cindy Terrace, Vernon, CT 06066.The family also extends their deepest gratitude to ECHN Visiting Nurse & Health Services, and A Caring Hand for their care and support during Bunny's final weeks.Her family will receive friends for calling hours on Sunday, February 3, 2019 from 12 to 4 p.m. at the Ladd-Turkington & Carmon Funeral Home, 551 Talcottville Road (Route 83), Vernon. Family and friends may gather at the funeral home on Monday, February 4th, at 9 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Bernard Church, 25 St. Bernard Terrace, Rockville. Burial will follow in St. Bernard Cemetery, Rockville. For online condolences and guest book, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com