Mary K. McNeil

Mary Urquhart Brock Keezer McNeil, born December 29, 1926, was a loving wife, sister, aunt, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and dear friend to many people. With a rich and full life that spanned nearly a century, Mary was beloved by all she met. Mary passed away in the early hours of November 3, 2022, comfortable and warm in her bed, at the age of 95, reuniting with loved ones who had passed on before her. Mary is survived by her sons James, Lawrence, John and Paul Keezer and her daughters Katherine and Karen Keezer, many grandchildren, even more great grandchildren and many other beloved family and friends.

Mary was born in Jamaica Plains, Massachusetts in 1926 to Gertrude Jones and Frederick Urquhart and was adopted by Amine Jones and George Brock and lived at their family home in Milton, Massachusetts. She enjoyed spending time amongst the grape vines in the backyard of her home and she attended a Baptist church where she sang as a soloist in the choir and played the piano. While in Massachusetts, Mary attended Milton High School and worked for Boston & Maine Railroad in Boston for eight years.

Mary moved to Eddington, Maine, where she met and fell in love with her first husband Albert Keezer, Mary and Albert together moved to Hampden, Maine and raised seven loving children, with five boys and two girls. Albert passed away in 1978 and Mary’s son Leonard Keezer passed away in 1990. In Maine, Mary worked for Sylvania Electric for nearly thirty years before she retired.

Full of independent spirit and love, Mary remarried in 1980 to Frederick McNeil and the two traveled to Silver Springs, Florida, where they lived. Fred and Mary would often drive up the east coast to Maine and Massachusetts to spend time with family. Mary enjoyed the weather and bright colors of Florida and had many dear friends. Fred and Mary remained together and married for forty years until Fred passed away in 2020.

Mary was the bright light in every room in which she entered. Infinitely charming and bubbly, she was someone that no person could help but love and laugh with. Mary loved to dance, crochet, knit, read novels, complete puzzles, paint, and color. Reflective of her personality, she absolutely loved color. Ever the one to opt for bright and fun attire, Mary passed away at 95 with a thick head of crimson hair (that (of course!) was entirely natural…).

Mary enjoyed spreading love to all those around her with hugs. She was a strong yet gentle person and caring and protective mother, grandmother and great grandmother who wanted all she met to just “call her mom.” Mary was the constant figure, the anchor, through a near century of change and expansion of her family tree. She will forever be missed by her family and friends, but they are comforted in knowing that she is in Heaven, not simply waiting for others to join her, but again busy at work brightening the world of those already there.

Mary’s long and fulfilled life will be remembered, honored, and celebrated at a grave site memorial that will take place in Spring 2023 at Locust Grove Cemetery in Hampden, Maine. Further details will be provided as the day gets closer.