Mary Anys Neville

Vero Beach, FL

Mary Anys Neville, 74, passed away April 16, 2018 at her residence in Vero Beach.

Mary was born in Waynesboro, Virginia, on July 17, 1943. She was a war baby, born during World War II to parents who divorced when she was very young. She moved from Virginia to New York to Oak Ridge, Tennessee, to Columbus, Ohio, and finally to Tampa at the age of 15 in 1958. Growing up, her passion was the violin reflected as a standout performer with her school orchestras.

Mary received her bachelor's degree from Florida State University and her master's degree in special education at the University of South Florida. She worked for a short time in Greenville, South Carolina, and then returned to Florida, where she worked at Sunland Training Center in Fort Myers. She then married her husband of 49 years, Rey Allen Neville, moved to Miami and, in her words, "became a nomad" as they followed Rey's Air Force career across the country and to Germany and Turkey, where she says, "we all grew up."

Her husband's last assignment at Scott Air Force Base landed the couple in O'Fallon, Illinois, where Mary worked for the Diocese of Belleville at St. Clare Catholic School for 16 years, first as Special Needs Coordinator, then as Assistant Principal for 14 years, and finally as Principal for her last year.

Mary and Rey retired to Vero Beach, Rey's hometown, in 2013, where, as sailors, they were quickly drawn to the Vero Beach Yacht Club. Mary was the president of the VBYC Shipmates from 2016 to 2018.

Mary is survived by her husband Rey Allen Neville of Vero Beach, Florida; her daughter Catherine "Cat" Neville, publisher of Feast Magazine and producer of tasteMAKERS, of St. Louis, Missouri; and her son David Rey Neville, partner in the law firm McDermott, Will & Emery, of Chicago, Illinois.

Mary's spirit will last forever in the hearts of those she loved and served so selflessly, children with special needs. With her grace and loving care, the children she touched grew to be the best they could be, memorializing her love, tenderness and dedication to them.

A memorial service will be held on April 26 at 3pm at the family home in Vero Beach. In lieu of flowers, Mary would like for donations to be made to the Indian River Land Trust.

We will miss her deeply.

Arrangements are by Strunk Funeral Home and Crematory,

Vero Beach.

A guest book is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com.

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

Published by TC Palm on Apr. 22, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Neville

Sponsored by Strunk Funeral Homes and Crematory - Vero Beach.

10 Entries

Heim Lake

April 28, 2018

Rey, our condolences..Mary was a wonderful person. Please accept our prayers and sympathy.

I H

April 28, 2018

I am very sorry for your loss and pray you find comfort and strength in our loving Heavenly Father. Psalm 62: 8 Trust in him at all times, O people.
Pour out your hearts before him.
God is a refuge for us.

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Barb and Bob Schoemehl

April 23, 2018

Mary has touched so many people throughout her life and all are blessed to have known her. Bob and I, along with our entire family, are deeply saddened by the loss you and your family are enduring with Mary's passing. Cat is so special to our family and we will keep all of you in our prayers. Mary lived a beautiful life thanks to you and your family and will be always in your hearts. Our deepest sympathy and love.

Doug & Vicki Flath

April 23, 2018

Mary was a wonderful lady and our family was so lucky to have had the opportunity to get to know her at St.Clare School. We also enjoyed sharing sailing stories with her. Our children would look for Mary and her husband at Carlyle Lake on the weekends. They couldn't wait to see her Monday to ask if she went sailing. Our thoughts are with her family as they journey through this difficult time.

April Mulqueeny

April 22, 2018

May her legacy live on in the lives and hearts of the children she have helped through out her years of teaching.

Gloria Schmidt

April 22, 2018

Mary was a huge part of St. Clare School for many years. I also worked closely with her, especially during her time as principal. She cared deeply for the students. She could joke around with them, but they knew when she was serious. I'm glad she was able to enjoy a few years in her paradise. She will be missed. Love and prayers for Rey, David, and Cathi.

Diane Overmann

April 22, 2018

Mary and I were what she called office mates for a time at St. Clare, even during the building year when we had no wall. We had many a laugh that year as we froze or melted or lost power. She gave so much to the school . She wanted each student to be the best that child could be. Sometimes a child would be asked to sit on her very hard chair. We still have that chair. You are in our hearts

Jim Milliken

April 22, 2018

Rey, Cat and David..

Mary was a very kind intelligent person. She lived life to the fullest. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. May the fond memories of her help to ease your sadness.

Jim & Julie Milliken

Rose and Dennis MULQUEENY

April 22, 2018

Mary was a special person. She helped our children so much when they attended St. Clare. They were special needs children. She helped our daughter while she was in college inspiring her to become an Early Childhood education teacher. We are so grateful for her taking so much interest in the future of our children.

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