Obituary of Jean McNeil

Jean G. (Lepore) McNeil of Burlington, opened her home to over 125 foster children over her life time passed away at the Lahey Clinic Medical Center on Thursday morning, February 23, 2006. She was 72 years old. Mrs. McNeil was born in Medford. She was the daughter of the late Guy & Marion (Connor) Lepore-Kirchdorfer. She was raised in Lexington. She had resided in Woodland Hills, CA for 3 years and then settled in Burlington in 1957. Mrs. McNeil, along with her husband “Bo” and the help of her children have opened their home and hearts to over 125 foster children over their lifetime. They have taken children of all different races, personalities, and needs. They have helped scores of abused and frightened children make the transition from an unhealthy home to one of caring and nurturing. Most of the children were long terms placements. It gave her great happiness to see children come to her home shy and withdrawn and see them blossom and bloom. Even more joy was to see children become successful adults because of her involvement in their lives. Mrs. McNeil also had worked as a teacher’s aid at the Gateway to Learning Child Care in Woburn for many years. She loved being with children and employer allowed her younger foster children to attend the center’s summer programs for free. Mrs. McNeil is the beloved wife of Laurence “Bo” McNeil. She is the loving mother of Larry McNeil & his wife Debbie of Wakefield, David McNeil & his wife Donna of Lowell, Timothy McNeil of Oroville, CA, Christine McNeil of Wilmington, Cory, Steven & Sara “Ashley” McNeil all of Burlington. She is the foster mother of Andrea Denk of Fall River and many other Foster Children. She is the sister of Shirley & her husband Ted Scheibler of Oroville, CA and sister in-law of Marie & Lawrence White, Barbara Slack all of Woburn. She is the grandmother of Sean, Hollie, Tiffany, Michael, Timothy, Mike, Jay, Kyle, Anna, Jonathan, Danny, and Mike. Great Grandmother of Shane. Also survived by many nieces & nephews. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 4 at 12 Noon in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington. Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited. Interment will be private. Memorials in Jean’s name may be made to Make A Wish Foundation of Greater Boston, One Bulfinch Place, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02114. Funeral arrangements by the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, BURLINGTON.