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Carola McNeilly Obituary

McNeilly, Carola at the age of 79, passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2015. Born to the late Albert and Hildegard Utsch, Sept 17, 1935 in Santa Monica, CA. she lived most of her life in St. Louis, graduated Normandy High School 1953, BS in Biology Washington University 1957, degree in Social Work from Webster University. Enthusiastic and analytical, she cherished her husband William R. McNeilly during their 50 years of marriage, her four children, nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren. In 1962, they settled in Bridgeton, Missouri to raise their four children: Christina J. (Walck); William U.; Carola J. (McLaughlin); and Rosemary J. (Cantrell). Carola was a high school PE and biology teacher. Her love with the youth at church led to a career in social work. She was passionate about her work in international adoption for over 20 years, touching the lives of many families. Carola loved to travel with her husband and family, camp, garden, read and follow current events. Her family and friends enjoyed lively discussions, particularly those related to science and religion, her decisive, take charge attitude and her warm hugs. Carola is remembered by her children as a wonderful mother who also became a steadfast friend and counselor. Her family celebrates her life and legacy and the importance Carola continues to have in each of our lives. In lieu of flowers, donations to: Children's Hope International; www.ChildrensHope.net. Services: Visitation 2:00 pm; Memorial Service 4:00 pm; Saturday March 28th at Hope Lutheran Church in St. Charles.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Mar. 22, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Carola McNeilly

Not sure what to say?





Barb Hirst

March 28, 2015

Carola was a beautiful person who I loved. She was truly amazing. She was full of love and hope for every life she touched.

Dale and Lisa Whatley

March 28, 2015

We love you Carola! You are an amazing woman and will forever be in our hearts!

March 28, 2015

Dear Family of Carola,
I was saddened to learn of her loss. I was in the St. Jos. Health Center charismatic prayer group with her in the
1980's or late 70's; she was a beautiful person and a blessing to all of us.
I am sorry I cannot be there in person with you this afternoon. Bonnie Dillard, St. Charles.

Jim, Lindajo, Josephina and Nadia Hauf

March 28, 2015

"Our heartfelt wishes go out to your family". Carola created families. Ours, and we are so ever grateful. She was a kindred spirit with such a loving heart! She is so very much loved by all those whose lives she touched. When I think of her I see her surrounded by children, and visions of mine on her lap for photos. I kiss her soft cheek goodbye.

March 26, 2015

So sorry for your loss. The world lost a truly amazing woman. Sending peace and prayers to your family.
The Caufields(Doug, Nancy, Samantha, Taylor, Haley and Bryce (he was adopted through Future)

Linda Monks

March 24, 2015

To the family of Carola. I met Carola in 2006, when my sister and her husband, Kim and Terry Griest were adopting two little boys from Russia. She helped me get all the necessary paperwork done so that I could go with them to bring those precious boys home. She was quite a lady and I am so happy to have met and known her! It was always a pleasure to see her at the Winter Festivals!

Jayne and Clint Kasten

March 24, 2015

Carola's mentoring and love was a treasure and a blessing to everyone who knew her. She was a gift
from God.

Mary Pat Gilliam

March 22, 2015

It was an honor and privilege to have known Carola. She was a treasure indeed!

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Memorial Events
for Carola McNeilly

Mar

28

Visitation

2:00 p.m.

Hope Lutheran Church

St. Charles, MO

Mar

28

Memorial service

4:00 p.m.

Hope Lutheran Church

St. Charles, MO

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