Helen M. McNeil

Helen M. McNeil, 91, of Bucyrus, died Friday, December 17, 2011 at Bucyrus Community Hospital.

She was born March 30, 1920 in Eaton County, Michigan to the late Thomas and Mildred (Drown) Chrones. Helen graduated from East Lansing High School in 1938 and on October 21, 1939 she married Jack W. "Mac" McNeil who preceded her in death on July 9, 2006 following 66 years of marriage.

She and Jack moved to Bucyrus in 1942 and Helen worked for the J.C. Penney Co. for 25 years where she decorated the store and display windows in addition to working directly with the public. She was also responsible for the store advertising in the Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum. Her vision was not only displayed in her work, but also in her one great hobby, flowers. Helen, known as the "rose lady" by some, had a very green thumb. She loved working in her garden with her plants and roses. At one time, Helen maintained 53 different varieties of roses. Helen also loved caring for her cats and she will be greatly missed by Tabby and Mickey.

Helen was a 60 plus year member of Grace United Methodist Church (Grace EUB) which was like her second home. She was very involved with the Church Bible Study, assisted with mailing the monthly newsletter, loved to help decorate the church at Christmas and felt privileged to participate with their feeding program as well as anything pertaining to children's activities. She was formerly very active as a leader of the Girl Scouts and served as a regional treasurer. She was very proud to have served as the Chairman of the window decorating committee for the Bucyrus Bratwurst Festival and looked forward to it each and every year she was involved.

Throughout her life, Helen and Jack spent many weekends at Lake Erie boating, fishing and spending time with friends and family. She also enjoyed wintering in Florida at the home of her daughter and son-in-law for 19 years. Helen loved cooking, baking and always found time to read her Bible on a daily basis. Whatever the occasion or holiday, friends and family could always look forward to receiving a card from Helen. She also felt it important to be there for others; no matter what the event, Helen was there. It was always her hope that others would follow her legacy of carrying out this kindness of sending cards and being there for others.

She is survived by her daughter, Patricia (Joseph) Habraken of Winter Haven, Florida; five grandchildren, Tom Dostal and girlfriend Amy Grover of Albany, Ohio and Jay Dostal of Bucyrus, Joe "Bill" (Kim Rich) Habraken of Portland, Maine, Sue (Rodney) Habraken White of Kent, Ohio and Pete (Lynn) Habraken of Stow, Ohio; five great grandchildren, Elyse (Andrew Fertig) White, Karlie White, Kyle White, James Habraken, and Cora Merchant; three great-great grandchildren, Emmett, Evan and Ean; one brother, Thomas Chrones of Lompoc, Calif.; one sister, Mary A. Hostler of Tiffin; two nieces, Charity (Ron) Ames, of Sycamore, Ohio and their three children, Nici (Rob) Sangster of Lewis Center, Ohio, Aimee (Dan) Kearns of Sycamore and Shannon Steinhauser of Charlotte, N.C., Nancy Shelton of Weed, Calif.; two nephews, Dr. Gary (Joan) Epler of Boston, Mass. and Dr. Jim (Terri) Epler of Montana.

Helen is preceded in death by her husband, Jack; her son, Tommy; two brothers and one sister, Dorothy Parkins Van Winkle.

Friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, December 21 at Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820 where funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday with Pastor Don Kraps officiating. Graveside committal service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday at Fairmont Cemetery in Tiffin, Ohio and those attending are asked to meet at the cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to Feeding America or a charity of the donor's choice through the funeral home.



Visitation:

Wednesday, December 21, 2011 2-4 & 6-8 p.m.

Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820



Service:

Thursday, December 22, 2011 11:00 a.m.

Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820



Cemetery:

Fairmont Cemetery, 1776 Washington St., Tiffin, Ohio 44883