Elsie M. MacNeil

Elsie Mary MacNeil, 96, of Worcester, MA passed away on November 29th, 2023, after a short illness. Elsie was born in the Morris Cove area of New Haven, CT October 2nd, 1927, to William Douglas MacLeman and Ruby May Vincent. Elsie was a long-time resident of 21 Clovervale Lane in Cheshire, CT (1956-1998), where she raised a family and was a vibrant member of St. Bridget’s and St. Thomas Becket churches. She was later a resident of Silverbrook Estates in Orange, CT before moving to Colony III Retirement Homes in Worcester, MA in 2016. Elsie is survived by a son, Wayne Peter MacNeil and daughter-in-law Helena Van der Heijden MacNeil, of Boylston, MA, a daughter, Lynda Noble MacNeil of San Jose, California, and a sister, Ruth Bush of Guilford, CT, as well as many nieces and nephews. Elsie was pre-deceased by her husband, Eugene Peter MacNeil of New Haven, CT, who passed away in 2010 and a brother, Douglas MacLeman, of West Haven, CT. She was also pre-deceased by two daughters, Dawn Susan (1954-1958) and Robin Mara (1958-1982).

Elsie’s ancestors go back to the founding of the New Haven colony with Puritan Reverend John Davenport’s party that arrived from England by the ship “Hector” in 1638. Her ancestor, John Vincent was an original signer of the New Haven Fundamental Agreement, the document which established the New Haven colony.

Elsie grew up in Hamden, CT and graduated from Hamden High School in 1945. Her nickname, “Red,” came from her bright red hair (just like her mother). She was a member of the school Dance Club and was proud to be chosen as the drum majorette for the Hamden High School Marching band. She was also a member of the Volunteer Disaster Corps during WWII. She became executive secretary to the then President of Second National Bank of New Haven, working in that capacity until marriage and raising a family. Later Elsie worked for SNET (Southern New England Telephone Company) as an editor for the company’s internal newsletter. She also worked as an administrator for an eye doctor (Dr. Silverstone) and held a part-time position at one time with J.C. Penney’s Hamden Customer Service. However, most of Elsie’s time after marriage was devoted to her family, including the care of two handicapped children, Dawn and Robin.

Elsie was raised as a Protestant but converted to a Catholic before marrying. She was a devout Christian who believed strongly in her faith. In her later years, she suffered blindness from advanced macular degeneration, yet still organized music for and led a weekly rosary group where she lived. Elsie’s life was touched by many with her generosity and caring for others. She was very thoughtful and had friendships with many people throughout her life.

Another side to her personality was the need for private time. For her, that was often prayer but also time spent gardening, which she would often do tirelessly, reading poetry, or watching wild birds in nature. Elsie will be dearly missed by the many who knew her.

Elsie’s funeral will be held on Thursday, December 7th, 2023 at 9 a.m. from Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden followed by her Mass of Christian Burial, to be celebrated at 10 a.m. at St. Paul VI Parish/Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 2819 Whitney Ave., Hamden. Friends may also visit with her family at the funeral home on Wednesday evening, December 6th from 5-8 p.m. Her burial will take place on Friday, December 8th at 11 a.m. at St. Lawrence Cemetery, 280 Derby Ave., West Haven.