Susan Kay McNeill's Obituary
Susan Kay McNeill, age 76, of Charleston, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Willow Breeze Hospice House in Mattoon, Illinois. She was born on February 3, 1949, in Tuscola, Illinois, to Peter and Margaret (Moss) Nuccio. On December 15, 1972, she married the love of her life, Dr. Leland McNeill, in New Orleans, beginning a devoted partnership that spanned more than five decades.
She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Dr. Leland McNeill of Charleston; two sons, Damon McNeill of Charleston and Anthony (Kim) McNeill of Aledo, Texas; five grandchildren, Peighton Hinote, Keaton Atkinson, Allie McNeill, Presley McNeill, and Blakelyn McNeill; and one great-grandchild, Remi Hinote. She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Amanda McNeill; her parents, Peter and Margaret Nuccio; and two sisters.
Susan was a graduate of Tuscola High School and went on to earn her degree as a Registered Nurse from Lakeview College of Nursing in Danville, Illinois. Nursing was more than a career for Susan; it was a calling. She was known as a skilled, compassionate, and dedicated nurse who cared deeply for her patients and their families, always offering comfort, professionalism, and a gentle presence during difficult times. She devoted many years to serving her community at various area healthcare facilities before retiring, leaving behind a lasting legacy of care and kindness.
Outside of her professional life, Susan enjoyed playing card games, especially bridge and deuces wild poker, as well as working Sudoku puzzles. She loved dancing, interior decorating, and tackling remodeling projects. She also took great pleasure in collecting coins, Barbies, and Hummel figurines. Above all, Susan treasured time spent with her family, and her greatest joy was being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, Illinois. A Nurse Honor Guard Service honoring Susan’s lifelong dedication to nursing will precede the memorial service, which will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Father Michael Berndt officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 921 Madison Avenue, Charleston, Illinois 61920, or to the SBL Health Foundation, c/o Cancer Center, 1000 Health Center Drive, Mattoon, Illinois 61938.
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