Martha McNeill - Obituary

artha Ann (Weirich) McNeill peacefully passed away at Sibley Hospital at 12:30PM on October 30, 2009. She heroically battled ovarian cancer for over one year. Her two beloved sons, David and Timothy, together with other members of her immediate family were with her. Her life was a joyous one. She was born on August 14, 1935 to Gladys and Robert Weirich and lived the early years of her life in Camp Springs, MD. She was a habitual honor student and a star athlete on her school teams. After graduation she joined the staff of Pepco and then the staff of the Washington office of the Ford Motor Co. where she worked in Ford's international affair's staff. Ford temporarily loaned her to the Presidential Inaugural Committee for President Eisenhower in 1957. She received a formal commendation for her critical role in organizing and implementing the many transportation functions of the inaugural. Martha married Bruce Sorter in 1960, and they had a son, David R. Sorter. After their divorce, Martha married Robert L. McNeill, early in 1970. They had 39 years of great joy and happiness together. Their son, Timothy C. McNeill, was born in 1971. She loved her two step sons, Fletcher and Craig McNeill and found tremendous joy, happiness and peace in her five grandchildren, Ian and Tori Sorter, Camden and Skylar McNeill, and Caitrin McNeill. Martha enjoyed a close, loving and extended family. Her parents predeceased her as did her 4 beloved aunts. Her sister Jean and her husband Michael and their children Karen, Martha, Jimmy, Gina and Michael were special and vital parts of Martha's life as were their children Rebecca, Allison, Conor and Emily. Her cousins Ellis, Nancy, Teddy, Gary and their children Trueman, Sam, Diana, Josh, Christine and Angela were special loves of Martha as was her beloved Uncle Guy Trueman. Martha's extended family reached far beyond her immediate family. It included a large universe of friends who were part of her loving and caring life from her school days, community activities, many group memberships, neighbors and close friends. She was a truly remarkable, loving, caring woman who enriched the lives of all who knew her. There will be a public viewing at 9:00AM at St. Barnabas Church on Wednesday November 4, 2009 followed by a celebration of Martha's life at 10:30AM and burial in the cemetery behind the church. A reception will follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, Martha would appreciate contributions to St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 5203 St. Barnabas Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748.