Rowena Valerie McNeill (née Mills)
September 19, 1937 to September 12, 2026
Obituary
The Funeral Service for Rowena McNeill will be livestreamed for those unable to attend please click on the following link: https://together.oneroomstreaming.com/5ZBD4U
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Rowena Valerie (Mills) McNeill, surrounded by the love and presence of her daughters.
Rowena was an extraordinary woman, full of grace, humour, and empathy. She exuded a joy for life that was all her own, but she willingly shared it with anyone who would let her in. She had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcome, loved, and at ease, and her laughter and quick wit could light up any room.
She was the heart and glue of her family—a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her family was her greatest source of pride, and she cherished every moment spent with the people she loved. She had a wonderful curiosity about life and could always be counted on for a good story, and a good laugh.
Although her passing was sudden, she leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and joy that will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know her.
She is predeceased by her parents, John and Mildred Mills; husband, John McNeill; brothers, Archie Mills (Jean), Merlin Mills (Shirley) and Corwin Mills.
Leaving to mourn her daughters, Valerie Villiger McNeill (Marcel) and Heather McNeill (Joe); son, Don McNeill; grandson, George Abbott (Alexandra); granddaughter, Ailish McNeill; sister-in-law, June Mills; also, many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Special thanks to Dr. Peach and the medical team at the Health Sciences Centre Emergency Department. To April and the nursing staff from Community Health.
Cremation has taken place.
Visitation will take place at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road from 3-8 p.m. on Friday September 18th.
Funeral service place on Saturday, September 19th, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Carnell Memorial Chapel. Interment to follow at the Anglican Cemetery, Kenmount Rd.
Flowers gratefully accepted or if you wish donations in her memory may be made to the A.L.S. Society.
Schedule
Visitations
3-8 p.m. on September 18, 2026
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
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funeral
2:00pm, Saturday September 19th
The Carnell Memorial Chapel
329 Freshwater Road
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Interment in the Anglican Cemetery, Kenmount Rd.
Deep and sincere condolances to Rowena’s family and her many friends. She will be missed.
Heather and family . Brian and I send our sincere condolences on the loss of your beautiful mother. Deepest sympathy to all of you. RIP Rowena. Brian and Cathy Healy.
Condolences to Val, Heather and Donny on the loss of a wonderful woman. Rowena was always full of joy and happiness. Whenever we met it was always a fun time.
RIP.
Joe Taaffe.
What a blessing it is to have lived a life so filled with love and laughter. And, what a rare honour it is to have led a life with such truthfulness, wit and care for others as Rowena did.
Rowena was an incredibly honest and open person. I think this is part of why Eli and I felt so comfortable and welcomed by her from the time Heather and my Dad got together when we were young kids. What you saw was what you got, and what you got was a truly dazzling person! She always remembered and cared about what was going on in each of our lives, asked thoughtful questions, and listened intently.
Even back then, we were amazed and inspired by Rowena’s culinary knowledge and her ability to hold such interesting and welcoming dinner conversations. Rowena’s sense of humour and knack for storytelling were tools kept as sharp as her kitchen knives and stylish outfits. She has sent me (and circles of guests) into fits of genuine laughter more times than I can count. I know her best stories and jokes will live on through retellings by her family and friends.
On my most recent visit home, after a delicious dinner at Heather’s, Rowena sent me on my way with a frozen roll of her homemade cheese cracker dough and instructions on how to prepare them, as she knew they are an ultimate favourite of mine. Anyone who knows Rowena wouldn’t be surprised by that story, which just goes to show how special she was!
I feel so grateful to have known, admired and loved Rowena! Among many things, she taught me that fabulousness ages like a fine red wine. Heather, George, and family, I am so sorry for what I know is an immense loss. Sending all my love to you all.
Very sorry for your loss, Heather. We send our sincere condolences.
Heather and George,
I am deeply saddened to hear that your Mother/ Grandmother has passed. Please accept my heart felt condolences.
A woman who seemed to experience life at the fullest.
Take care as you enter your grief journey.
Marie
I am so saddened to hear about the passing of Rowena. She was the most amazing inspiring woman, vibrant , caring, fantastic cook, avid reader, fashionable and full of life in every way. She embraced life’s challenges with such strength and determination , and Rowena was extremely devoted to her family.
I was welcomed in to the dynamic fun loving McNeill family many years ago when I met Valerie in Vancouver. I feel very fortunate to be a friend of the family all these years. . These last few years I was staying at the McNeills when I was home visiting . I really enjoyed spending time with Rowena , taking her out for a drive , going for lunch, cooking up fish cakes for me , friday pizza, and of course having a glass of wine. I will cherish all the memories made with you.
My sincere and deepest condolences to Val, Heather, Don, George, Ailish and all family
Heather, Valerie, Donnie, George and Ailish,
Your Mom/Grandmother was one of those rare people who made everyone feel special. She had a youthful spirit, a wonderful sense of humor, and a genuine love for life that was impossible not to admire.
I will forever cherish the many Friday evenings I spent with Heather, Joe and Rowena over pizza and happy hour. She always said it was her favorite time of the week, and truthfully, it became one of mine as well. I loved listening to her many stories, sharing laughs, and simply enjoying her company.
At the end of the evening, as we stood at the door saying our goodbyes, Rowena would often sing, “I’m glad we had this time together…” Those words will always stay with me because they captured her perfectly. She treasured time spent with the people she loved. It spoke to her joyful heart, her gratitude for friendship, and above all, her devotion to her family.
I will always remember her kindness, her laughter, and her joyful spirit. I feel beyond fortunate that we had this time together.
Heather and family so sorry to hear about the passing of your beautiful Mom. She was a lovely lady and always up for some fun. Thinking about you all at this very difficult time.
Take care.
Heather, George, Valerie and family
Sending sincerest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. Rowena will be missed by so many. We will forever cherish all the wonderful memories we have of her.
Thinking of you all,
Dennis, Lauren, Jacob and Juliana
To Rowena’s Family: We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Ray, Joy & Judy Parsons
Heather, Valerie, Donnie and families,
Thinking of you all with sincere sympathy. I have many fond memories of Rowena over the years, so pleasant and kind. So sorry we are unable to be at the visitation and service as we are out of the province but will be remembering her with love. Cherish your beautiful memories.
Marilyn (Adams) and John McGuire
Heather, Valerie, Donnie, and family
We were deeply saddened to hear of your mom’s passing. She was such a beautiful person, and it was always so much fun to be in her company.
I will forever cherish my memories of time spent on Uncle John and Aunt Rowena’s boat, and of course our visits to Waterford Bridge Road. The wonderful food, the music, and the laughter made every gathering truly special.
We are sending our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to all of you.
With love – JJ & Cindy
Heather & Family ,
I am so very sorry to hear of your Moms passing .
Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Wanda ,Bruce &Abigail Evans
Heather, Donnie and Valerie
We are so sad about the loss of your Mom. I have so many happy memories of her and her spirit and infectious positive energy. From Singing our “Oh Aunt Rowena” song to get what we wanted when we were younger, to her hosting a dinner for my entire MtA soccer team, She was an incredible woman and will never be forgotten. My heart is with you as you grieve this loss. Love, Jennifer
Heather….I’m so sorry to read of your Mom’s passing. I lost my Mom just 5 months ago so I truly understand the heartache you are feeling. Hold tight to the beautiful memories and I hope that someday you can reflect on them with joy and happiness in your heart. Sending you and your family my most sincere condolences.
I have many wonderful memories of meals at the McNeill’s . Rowena was such a fantastic cook and wonderful host! A kind welcome and big hugs was always on offer.. sending deep condolences and love
My father, Charles Udle, spoke so fondly of both John and Rowena through many, many years. My mom, Shirley told me about their meeting in Corner Brook and how confident Rowena was with her during a move that eventually brought them all back to St. John’s.
I visited Newfoundland as an adult and your parents kindly invited me along with my parents to dinner. When I was leaving I saw a 1929 player piano, Steinway, in the living room. I looked at John and said it’s a shame it not making any sound right now. He smiled, sat and played “The Entertainer.”
That was your home, welcoming, musical and a wonderful time to be had by all.
I am so sorry to hear of Rowena’s passing, a very dear woman who will be sadly missed by us all. Elisa Rixon (Udle)
Heather, and family,
oh my God, so sorry to hear of your mother‘s passing she was such a beautiful ,kind, loving ,fun person . So beautiful and stylish ,I always admired her. You were so blessed to have spent so many years together. You are in thoughts.. hugs to you and your family🥰
Heather, and family
So heart broken to hear of your beautiful Mom’s sudden passing.. I will treasure my memories of her always and her extreme kindness to our son who use to call to her over the fence while climbing a tree “ hello Mrs NicNiel .. it’s me Adam ! “…. On his birthday day on Halloween she would always make a trip to Auntie Craes to get him a special gingerbread cookie for his trick or treat bag .. She is an important and cherished part of our family memory. Our deepest condolences to you and your family .
The Van De Spiegles .
Heather & family,
So sorry to hear about your mom. She looked like such a fun loving lady, and so stylish! Sending strength, and hugs at such a difficult time. Xo