Dorothy Eugene Fredendall McNeil

I was born in Columbia, Missouri, to loving, supporting parents. They both knew that all humans worldwide were equal and acted upon it. Strong supporters of public education, they encouraged my sister Katherine and me. We became teachers after earning B.A.s and M.A.s. Some of my most joyous days were in the classroom.

My five-star husband, John Walter McNeil, of 61 years, an attorney educated by the military to speak, read, and write Chinese, was a strong political activist with me . We marched in many protests. When he spoke before political audiences he had them laughing. We were, and I am, lifelong left wing activists.

John and I produced two five-star children, our son Michael (wife Laurel, son Eric) and our daughter Dennis Michele (husband Steve, sons Ben and David and his and Katie’s two children, Skyler and Levi.) I leave behind a niece, Dorothy Patterson, a gem, my surrogate daughter of 40 years, Sherry, and a dear friend who has taught me so much, Mayola. I leave behind many dear friends and a loving family.

I believe in public ownership of property, schools, the Post Office, hospitals, parks, jails, etc. Cooperatives – yes!

I’m a lifelong Democrat, and a member of the Democratic Socialist Party.

Fortunate? I wish everyone to be as fortunate as I have been.