Madeline Joan Neil

Madeline Joan Neil, 91, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 3, 2024. Affectionately known as “Duckie” and “Maddie,” she spent her final days surrounded by her family.

She was the proud mother of Daniel Neil (Karin), Martin O’Neill (Angela), and Brian O’Neill (Paula). Adoring grandmother of Parker, Sloane, Claire, and Jonathan. Fun-loving aunt to many nieces and nephews. Best friend to Julie Boyer. Dearest friend to caregiver Diane Gillis.

Madeline was born on April 12, 1932, in Detroit, to parents James and Margaret O’Neil. She was a graduate of Annunciation School and a proud classmate of J.P. McCarthy. Her Catholic faith was further nurtured as a member of St. Matthew Church for 62 years.

After high school, Madeline worked for Chrysler, but decided that working in the hospitality industry was a better fit for her. She went on to work at Pointe Bar-B-Que, Pointe Treat, and Hodell’s Bakery, but her favorite job of all was working for her sons as their Executive Secretary at Elite Driving School for 20 years. She decided to stop working when she was 88.

Madeline and her husband, Frank, shared a great passion for sports, especially the Detroit Tigers. She rarely missed a game on TV or the radio, and especially loved when Ernie Harwell announced the games. Those who knew her will remember her love of animals, especially cats, birds, and “Walter the Squirrel” – a frequent visitor at her living room window the last few years.

Everyone who met her loved her kind spirit, and devotion to her family and friends. Madeline always saw the positive in every person and every situation. Her laughter was infectious and she always had a good time wherever she went.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Frank Neil, grandson Patrick O’Neill, and siblings Peggy Schultheis, Lou O’Neil, and Dolly Wales.

Madeline will lie in state on Friday, March 8, 2024, at 9 a.m., and her funeral mass will take place at 10 a.m., at St. Matthew Church, 6021 Whittier Ave., Detroit 48224. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Madeline’s memory to Shriners Hospitals for Children (www.shrinerschildrens.org).