Sandra Joyce Neal, 80, of Russell, PA, passed away at the John and Orpha Blair Hospice Residence after a short illness. She was born October 16, 1936, in Franklin, PA to the late George E. and Lucille Turner. She graduated from Rocky Grove, PA, High School. After graduation, she attended the Oil City, PA Hospital School of Nursing where she graduated and attained her license as a Registered Nurse. Something of so much pride to her that she renewed it every year, after her retirement, until just recently. During her nurse’s training at Warren State Hospital she met the man that she would spend 60 married years together. Donald Carlton Neal Jr. and she were married on September 21, 1957, in Rocky Grove, Venango Co., PA. They resided in North Warren until they moved to Russell where they remained throughout their life together.
She was the “nurse’s nurse”, the epitome of every quality that nursing demands. She worked for many years at the Warren State Hospital and later in her nursing career she was employed by the Central Nursing Home in Warren as the Director of Nursing. Throughout her working career she was also employed in the business offices at Mahan Motors for many years. In the later part of her life she worked as the Secretary for the North Warren Presbyterian Church, a job she adored. She had remained a very active member of the congregation and an avid hand-bell choir member.
She was active in the Sweet Adelines International. She served as the Eisenhower Music Booster President and was infamously known for her EHS Cowbell during football games and marching band competitions. She also served as an elementary school PTA President.
Her deep sense of love of others, giving back to community, fairness, and humility was evident in all that she did and all those she touched. A deep faith in God and taking care of those not as fortunate drove and supported her throughout her life. These ideals are her legacy that she has provided to her family and all those who met her in life.
She was the definition of a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother and most recently took on the role of “Gigi” to her great granddaughter.
She is survived by a son, David (Suzi) Neal of Belvidere, NJ; a daughter, Beth Neal of Orlando, FL; a Grandson, Michael (Stephanie) Robbins, of Pittston, PA; a granddaughter, Lauren (Mitchell) Jones of Harmony, NJ; and a great granddaughter Claire Audrey Jones. She is also survived by several nieces and cousins. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Donald C. Neal Jr, and her brother Dr. Ronald “DeWayne” Witherup.
To share memories and stories of Don and Sandy Neal, friends may call at the North Warren Presbyterian Church, 200 S. State Street, N. Warren, PA, on Monday, October 2, 2017, from 6 to 8 P.M. and on Tuesday from 10 A.M. until 11 A.M. at which time a Memorial Service will be held to commemorate the lives of Don and Sandy with their pastor, Rev. Burfoot S. “Buddy” Ward, III, officiating. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Hospice of Warren County, 1 Main Avenue, Warren, PA, 16365, for the benefit of the John and Orpha Blair Hospice Residence, or the North Warren Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, 200 S. State Street, N. Warren, PA, 16365. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com
—
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
www.avast.com/antivirus
Dear Beth & David
Your parents have been such an inspiration and have shared their love of the Lord, love of family, Love for one another and love for others each and every moment .
Your loss must feel monumental. The only consolation is they are together and seeing Christ.
Sending our deepest sympathy to all.
Carol Hamilton
Lisa Hamilton Such
Chad Hamilton
Dear Beth & David,
I have only known your Mom and Dad since 2010 when we moved from Pittsburgh up to Warren Pa. They were two of the sweetest people I have ever met. Your Mom treated me like she knew me for years. I always loved to sit and talk with her anytime we had the chance. They will be deeply missed by all who knew them. I know losing both parents so close must be hard for all of you but I don’t think that either one of your parents would have flourished alone. They were the ultimate couple and are now walking hand in hand with the Lord.
Our Deepest Sympathy
Donna & John Caito
Beth & David,
We wish you the comfort in the strength your mom gave you, the love she wraps your heart with and our Lord’s healing power to get you through this very difficult time. Know you are in our thoughts, prayers and hearts. She was the ultimate friend. Could not have asked for a better counselor!! Remember, grief has not timeline. Take all the time you need to grieve and heal. Love to you both.
Peggy & Bill
Beth,
I am so very sorry for your loss… Your parents were always SO KIND CARING GENEROUS AND LOVING… Mom and Dad “ as we referred to them as” will be so missed … Beth I can only imagine how hard this must have been and still is … I know there is a sense of peace knowing they are together and that there love story was like the Note Book .. Something so beautiful and rare.. I’m glad you were able to be with them when they needed you the most .. You are just as giving as your parents are … I am always here for you if you need ANYTHING at all..♥️ I love you Beth, I know how proud your parents were to call you there daughter ….
Dear Dave and Beth,
We were so shocked and saddened to learn of your parents passing. They were wonderful neighbors for nearly 30 years. They lived their faith and were such kind, thoughtful, compassionate people, and so devoted to one another. It was impossible to think of one of them without the other. So, I believe that God was merciful in keeping them close in death as they were in life. Please know that we are so sorry for the terrible loss of both of your parents. Our thoughts and prayers are with both of you.
Sincerely,
David and Glenda
Wishing you and your family peace and comfort at your time of sorrow.
Thinking of you,
Leanne Morgan
Dear Beth and David,
I sure couldn’t have asked for any better next door neighbor parents to grow up with than Don and Sandy. Wonderful,loving,and generous people. They will surely be missed by all that knew them. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Family of the Neal’s,
I was very saddened by both Sandy and Don Neal’s passing away. They both were very friendly with my husband Lynn and me. At one of the first Valentine dinners we attended at the North Warren Presbyterian Church in recent years, we visited together the entire time as couples. Sandy in particular continued to be a friend, and we enjoyed each other on Face Book. They both were dear and loved people. We will miss them. Sending prayers and sympathy to you.
Linda Gage
“My Deepest Condolences go out to the Neal family, I hope you find comfort in these words, “He will swallow up death forever,……And will wipe away the tears from all faces. Isaiah 25:8. Trust in Jehovah’s promise of the resurrection hope. jw.org