December 4, 1950 – February 2, 2026
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Wendy Diane McNeil, a long-time resident and teacher in Caledon. On Monday, February 2, 2026, at the age of 75, Wendy passed away peacefully in her sleep at Woodhall Park Care Community in Brampton, following a long, courageous battle with dementia. She was also a survivor of breast cancer, which she battled bravely for many years.
Born on December 4, 1950, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Toronto, Wendy was predeceased by her loving parents, Andrew and Lillian McCrindle, her sister Janice, and her brother-in-law Larry Reinhard. She was the beloved wife of Donald Edwin McNeil for over 55 years, who married her on October 10, 1970, in Etobicoke. Together, they raised three wonderful children: Scott (Chantelle), Ryan (Crystal), and Lisa (Douglas). She was a proud grandmother to Abby and Taya. Wendy was the dear sister of David McCrindle (Linda) and a cherished aunt to Brett (Danielle), Kyle (Lori), Bill (Cathy), and Cindy (Dean). She is survived by eight wonderful nieces and nephews.
A lifelong learner and educator, Wendy graduated from New Toronto Secondary School in 1968 and then Wilfrid Laurier University with a B.A. in Math. Her teaching career spanned 28 years with the Peel District School Board, where she shared her love of learning with students from Kindergarten to Grade 2 and was also a Librarian. She taught at Belfountain, Credit View, Herb Campbell, and James Bolton Public Schools, where she touched countless lives with her kindness and dedication.
Wendy’s passions were as vibrant as her personality. Affectionately known as “The Wandering Turtle,” she loved camping, gardening, cycling, or walking, and she could often be found listening, singing, or dancing to music. An avid Toronto Blue Jays fan, she never missed a chance to cheer them on in person or watch them on TV. Wendy was also a talented crafter who enjoyed crocheting, sewing, and quilting, all while researching family genealogy. She was also well known in the community for her volunteer work with Milk Bags Unlimited, which involved weaving milk bag strips into mats for families in need and teaching local students how to do the same. She was always happier spending time relaxing at the cottage and doing what she wanted to do – yard work.
Our heartfelt thanks go out to the wonderful staff at Woodhall Park Care Community – Heritage House, in Brampton, for the exceptional care Wendy received. We will forever be grateful for the kindness and compassion she was shown, and we know she will be dearly missed by all who cared for her.
Cremation has already taken place and there will be no funeral service. Arrangements for a Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Peel (alzpeel.com).
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Mrs. Sylvia Forletta
Dear Don, Scott, Ryan and my precious Lisa,
Sincere condolences on the passing of your dear wife and mother. May it bring you comfort to know that your mom’s greatest legacy & joy was her kids.
ps. l still have the milk bag mat she made for me when l was at Palgrave School
sending caring thoughts and sympathy
Michael Harasiewicz
Such a kind Soul! Always on the ball, witty, from my memories, a true survivor. All the best to the family and the ones she touched. Much Love ❤️
Adam Forletta
Our sincere condolences to the McNeil family our thoughts & prayers are with you during this time.
Adam & Sarah Forletta
Connie Tersigni
Dear Don and family, It was a pleasure to have known Wendy. Always a big smile. My thoughts are with you at this time
Julia LaMontagne
We are thinking of your family through this difficult time. Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
Dave & Julie
Mary D’Adderio
Our deepest condolences to your family. Losing a parent is the hardest part of life that we have to endure.
I’m So sorry. Hugs Lisa.
Heather Bain
My deepest sympathy to Wendy’s family and friends. Wendy was a teacher I worked with at James Bolton Publc School. She always had a smile and something interesting to say. Wendy was a warm, kind, dedicated teacher with a wonderful sense of humour.
Melissa McLean
My condolences to the McNeil family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time
Melissa and Jamie
Denny & Margaret Leavens
To Don & Family
Our sincere condolences to you Don & all your family.
Our thoughts & prayers are with you at this sad time.
Margaret & Denny Leavens
Bianca Infante
My Deepest condolences Lisa and your family
May your beloved mother rest in peace.
Mark Tijssen
If my math is correct (and it had better be), Miss McCrindle turned 18 while teaching me kindergarten at Herb Campbell Public School. We both survived the experience – her with a lot more grace than I deserved. Teaching Cynthia grade 3 would have been far less daunting.
Condolences to Mr McNeil (also a favourite teacher of mine at Mayfield) and your family.
Mark Tijssen and Cynthia Crawford-Tijssen
Amaranth, ON
Rocky & Connie Mezzone
Condolences to the McNeil family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
Connie Mezzone & family
Patricia Egler
I’m sending message of condolence to my friend Ryan and his family. May God comfort everyone’s hearts during this time of sadness and loss. ️️Mit Liebe Patricia (Germany)
Barbara P Downey
Our sincere condolances to you Don and all the family
May she rest in peace.
Sue and Donna
So sorry for the loss of your mom.
I knew Wendy at Sparrow Lake from an early age. All us kids enjoyed fishing off her Dad’s dock, the longest dock on the bay.
We enjoyed her company sitting around the fire and she always had a story to share.
She truly loved her time at the cottage. We will miss her daily Hellos
Shirley Horsley
I’m so sorry for your loss. Thinking of all of you during this difficult time.
Bridie Burchiel
Condolences to your family. I taught with Wendy for many years at James Bolton. She was an incredible educator and always shared her smile and humour with us in our staff room. May she rest in peace.
Isabelle Bottoms
Sincere condolences to you Don, and all the family.
Shannon Ferraz
My condolences to the McNeil family. Love & hugs to you all. ❤️
George W Gnyp
We are very sorry to hear of Wendy’s passing. She was a great cottage neighbour and it was evident that she cherished every minute up at Sparrow Lake. Her presence is missed
George and Michelle
Jennifer Bedard (Bender)
Mrs. McNeil was my JK, SK and Gr. 2 teacher at James Bolton in the early 90s. I was recently telling my now SK daughter about her, because she still holds such a special place in my heart. I was sad to learn of her passing, from another former JK, SK, Gr. 2 classmate. We all loved Mrs. McNeil. She set the bar for teachers early on, and will always be remembered.
Sincerest condolences to the McNeil family
Jason Matheson
Scott’s mom had the best Commodore 64 setup in town.
Countless hours were spent mastering Summer Games, California Games, Skate or Die, and Bubble Bobble. As a result, a crew of 8 to 12-year-old Westview and Darrowby kids proudly became the geekiest group in town. I suppose Scott’s mom was the original geek, and we’re all better for it.
Her kitchen was always stocked with pop, saltine crackers, and cheese. Strategically placed fuel to nudge us back outdoors. And we certainly needed the energy with all the miles we logged on our mountain bikes, rappelling off the back deck, and skateboarding at the school.
Scott’s mom always took a genuine interest in what we were doing, how we were doing, and how our parents and siblings were doing too. She was grounded, encouraging, and kind.
So many great memories. Thinking of you all!
Ute Matheson
Dear Don, Scott, Ryan and Lisa. We send our condolences to all of you. We have many happy memories from the past as long time Palgrave neighbours. We’re thinking of you at this difficult time. Sincerely, Ute and Jamie Matheson
Pentti Harris
My sincere condolences to the McNeil family on your loss. I remember Wendy in my math class at NTSS as an effervescent, always smiling, wonderful classmate.
RIP “Bubbles”
Nancy Stewart
She will live on in all of you.
Nancy Stewart
David Badregon
Dear Don and Family:
So sad to hear about Wendy’s passing. As her eloquent obituary makes clear, she was able to leave a legacy in education, community and family. May she rest in peace after a life of significant contribution in the areas that really matter.
Susan Haughton
So many fond memories of my time with Wendy. To support her in her fight with cancer, she and I sold 900 Easter bunnies.
We enjoyed trios to theatre in Toronto and many great conversations over extended lunch dates. A wonderful friend and a devoted teacher.
My condolences to her family.
Jim & Linda Grindlay
Dear Don & Family
Sorry to hear of Wendy’s passing.
She certainly enjoyed her time at the cottage. She always stopped by when we were up
to talk to Jim & reminisce about old times.
Thinking of you. Jim & Linda
Kathy Farrelly
I taught with Wendy at James Bolton school. We had many laughs and sharing information to help our students. She was an excellent teacher who put her students first. My condolences to the family. Wendy will be missed.
Alice Incontri
My deepest condolences.