Doreen Elizabeth McNeill

Born on August 21, 1938 in Boston, MA, Doreen passed peacefully on October 16, 2023 in Cape Coral, Florida. She previously lived in Boston, Somerville, Manomet and Carver, MA. She is survived by her son, Vittorio Artiano Jr.; five grandchildren, Alexandra Artiano Ryan, Chance, Paige, Cole and Steffan Artiano and great grandchild, Antonio Artiano.

She is also survived by her brothers, John McNeill and James (Jimmy) McNeill; sister, Joan Larkin; stepdaughter, Eileen O’Neil; stepson, John O’Neil and step-grandchildren, Erin Litts-Personeus, Bridget Ann Litts, and Dilara A O’Neil; first husband, Vittorio Artiano, who she remained friends with all her life, and a multitude of grateful nieces, nephews, grandnephews and grandnieces.

She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Anne Artiano, who we lost at far too young an age; her husband, Dr John “My Jack” O’Neil; mother and father, William and Anne McNeill; sister, Dorothy Corey and brothers, William “Red” McNeill and Robert McNeill.

Her family will miss her but cherish that she was such a supportive and integral part of their lives.  A loving friend to many, she left her mark on this world in many caring ways.

Raised in Boston, she loved learning to sail at Boston Community Boating on the Charles River and she had a lifelong love of the water and ocean. She had raised her family overlooking the ocean, spent many summers on the lake in Manomet and later in life enjoyed having family and friends to a cottage on Whitehorse Beach on Cape Cod Bay.

A graduate of the Mt. Auburn School of Nursing in Cambridge, MA., she was a highly regarded practicing Nurse until her retirement, after which she continued to volunteer at a local hospital. She dedicated her life to caring for others and her nursing did not end with her shift, she was always a caregiver for her family, friends and anyone in need that she could support.  Time and again her family has heard patients, neighbors, classmates and friends say how Doreen helped them through a challenging time in their life with her ability to listen, her patience and her wisdom. She was also known for speaking her mind, as is the case for most of the McNeill women.

Her signature marinated carrot dish was a requirement for her to bring to all family gatherings, a recipe she has passed down over the years, so when she couldn’t be everywhere at once, the dish still appeared at holidays or gatherings, much to her delight.

She loved traveling, which is evident by her lifelong love of cruises and road trips. Whether it was heading to Maine and parts of New England as a young mother with her two children  in the school bus her husband Vic had converted to a mobile home, or criss crossing the country seeing the sights and visiting friends with Jack in their camper and visiting ports from the United States to Europe on cruise ships, she loved meeting new people, and hearing their stories and experiences and whenever possible, having them over for tea.

The family is particularly grateful to her many loving and close friends in her Florida community, her “Florida family” who made all the difference in her life with their Ladies Coffees and Lunches and their support of each other whenever needed.  They continue to be an invaluable support system to her New England family members.

We hope that everyone remembers her for her love of family, friends, the beach, sunshine, a good book, engaging conversation, a warm cup of tea, a good laugh and for always being a force on the dance floor.

Celebrations of Life are privately being held in both Florida and Massachusetts.

Memorial Contributions in memory of Doreen Elizabeth McNeill are suggested to the Salvation Army, SW Division, 10291 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, Florida 33919.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.