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Florence Moses Neil

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Florence Moses Neil, 99, passed away peacefully into God’s eternal arms Friday, January 15, 2021. Born in Donora, September 27, 1921, she was a daughter of the late Asa and Mary Abraham Moses. Florence was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Florence was a 1940 graduate of Donora High School, graduating in the final midyear January class.

After high school, she joined the war effort with other phenomenal women as “Rosie the Riveters” part of the “greatest generation” working for the U.S. Steel Donora Works in the wire testing department. She would later experience the Donora Smog of 1948, from those same mills, that devastated the town.

During the school years of her children, Florence held various offices, and was very active in fundraising for the school district.

Mrs. Neil also worked for the Irondale Hotel in Donora, where she prepared her “famous” coconut cream pies. Later she was employed by the Isaly’s company in Donora and Monessen, from where she retired in a managerial capacity after 25 years.

Florence’s passion was singing, and after retiring she participated in the “Showboat Variety Show” for 17 years, benefitting the area on aging and “Meals on Wheels.” She also joined the “Good Time Singers and Players” entertaining at assisted living and nursing homes, and other functions throughout the valley.

Mrs. Neil was a lifetime, devout member of the church she loved, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Donora. She was a member of the Vestry, Episcopal Church Women, choir, music coordinator, Altar Guild, Bible study, along with being a deputy to the Episcopal Convention for many years. She helped organize Kid’s Klub and taught Sunday school throughout the years. She was also an instrumental force in organizing church projects.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Florence was immensely proud of her family and leaves behind the gift of love and beautiful memories for them to cherish. She was a remarkable cook and loved preparing Syrian food and baking especially over the holidays. She enjoyed cheering on the Penguins, Pirates and Steelers, and had an enduring love of her “Home of the Champions,” Donora.

Mrs. Neil was preceded in death by her husband, James Neil in 1983; sisters Mary Kelly, Julia Marynchak and Louise Jurik; brothers Samuel, John and Robert James Moses.

She is survived by her loving children, Robert (Lisa) Neil, Sally Neil, Scott (Tina) Neil and Dorla Neil Morris. She will be missed and forever loved by her grandchildren, Morgan (Christopher) Burt, Zachary (Meghan) Neil; and great grandchildren Brayden Neil, Conner Neil and Parker Burt; her fur baby, Heins; good friends Sue, Bernice and Judy; along with many nieces and nephews.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the ANTHONY L. MASSAFRA FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICE INC., 40 Second Street Extension, Carroll Township / Donora, PA 15033, (724) 379-6900, where the family will receive friends from 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, January 19. Prayers will be recited in the funeral home at 9:15 a.m. Wednesday, January 20, followed by funeral services in St. Paul Episcopal Church, 130 W. Main Street, Monongahela, PA 15063, with the Rev. Kris Opat officiating.

Interment will follow in Mon Valley Memorial Park.

Allegheny Health Network Hospice and the caring staff of 4 North at Jefferson Hospital provided exceptional care to Florence.

Memorials may be made to the Donora Historical Society or the Donora Public Library.

The blessings, love and wisdom we have experienced with you will last forever. We have so much love in our hearts…………….

To be socially responsible during this time of the Covid-19 pandemic, we will continue to limit the attendance to 25 people inside the funeral home at any given time. Guests are asked to obey social distancing guidelines and personal protection guidelines which include masks within the funeral home. Guests may be asked to limit their visitation times so that all visitors will have the opportunity to pay their respects. Thank you. Florence’s family would like to express their understanding for those who are unable to pay their respects due to the pandemic.

To share a condolence with the family, visit www.massafrafuneralhome.com.

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