Jennie “Cookie” MacNeil, 69, of North Haven and Wallingford, CT died on August 23, 2015. Jennie was born on May 25, 1946 in New Haven, CT. She was the daughter of Helen Cuozzo and the late Andrew Parillo. Jennie graduated from North Haven High School in 1964 and married the late Robert MacNeil, the love of her life, on April 1, 1967 in North Haven, CT. They lived for a year at Fort Benning in Columbus Georgia after Robert returned from the Viet Nam War, before settling in North Haven, CT, where they raised three children. Jennie was affectionately referred to as the “CEO of the household” and assisted with Robert’s business ventures in West Haven and New Haven, CT. Jennie was active in the lives of her three children including the PTA, Boy Scouts, sports, and music. She took pride in maintaining a meticulous and lively home that was perpetually enjoyed by her family and all of their friends. Jennie enjoyed dancing, the beach, the casino, and rocking her red lipstick. She loved taking family vacations to Los Angeles, Vermont, and Cape Cod. She was devastated when her 16-year-old son, Scott, was killed as a passenger in an alcohol-related car crash on August 4, 1991. With her husband Robert and the support of MADD, she lobbied state leaders to pass a zero-tolerance law and spoke before the General Assembly, resulting in the 1995 legislation which made it illegal for drivers under the age of 21 to have any alcohol in their system while driving. In October 2007, MADD honored Jennie with its highest award, the Hilda Davis Award. The same month, the North Haven Courier named Jennie “person of the week” for her efforts in fighting alcohol related crashes with MADD. She established scholarships in Scott’s name with MADD, which was active for fifteen years, and North Haven High School, which is still ongoing. It brought Jennie great joy to select and meet the recipients, many with whom she kept in touch. Above all, Jennie’s greatest joy was her children and grandchildren. She said, “My children have brought me such joy, my grandchildren are my heart.” Jennie will be remembered for her positive attitude, sense of humor, and selfless commitment to her family. Her courage will continue to inspire those who knew her. Jennie is survived by her son Dean MacNeil and grandson Dean MacNeil II of Los Angeles; daughter Deanna MacNeil Bernier, son-in-law Joseph Bernier and grandchildren Skyelyn, Scott, and Spencer of North Haven; mother Helen Parillo and brother Don Parillo of North Haven; and many loving and supportive cousins, nieces, nephews, Godchildren, and longtime cherished friends.
Family and friends are invited to meet directly at the Office of All Saints Cemetery, 700 Middletown Avenue, North Haven on Tuesday morning August 25th and follow the funeral procession to the MacNeil family plot for an 11:30 graveside service. There will be no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Scott B. MacNeil Scholarship Fund, North Haven High School, 221 Elm Street, North Haven, CT 06473-3251 or to MADD.
I am so sorry for the family and wish to offer my deepest condolences. She was an extraordinary woman. Rest in Peace!!!
Much love and prayers for all. My heart aches for your loss. What a glorious reunion Jenn must have had with Bob and Scott!
Dean I'm so sorry to hear about your mother's passing. All my condolences to you and your family.
You will be missed. Our thoughts are with your family.
So sorry for your loss, you are in my prayers.
Haven
Cookie personified the best in a mother, friend and fellow citizen. Her happy, loving and warm personality was an example to us all on how to live one's life. She was simply the Best! I and the entire Farley family will miss her and always cherish our memories of our "Cookie and Eileen" family outings together. May God reunite her in heaven with all of her previously passed loved ones and reward her for the exemplary life she lived.
My deepest sympathy goes to all of you. Cookie was a great cousin and person. She will be so missed.
Dean, Donnie and Family
I'm so sorry for your loss. I have great memories from when we were little. Have solace knowing she is with loved ones and free. She will be with you always…
Cookie sparkled in our lives like no other. Godmother to our son, Paul, she warmly welcomed us into her family, and embraced ours with a tender heart. So much laughter, so many memories, so much love – a spark that will never be extinguished. Her smile will brighten the sky like no other star in God’s heaven. She will be greatly missed by her Florida Family.
Dear Deanna, Joe & Family
Sending our heartfelt condolences to you and your entire family.
I am so sorry for your loss, your Mom was a wonderful person and enjoyed her friendship for many years.
My heart is heavy with sadness.
Although we have not been friends for long I feel that I've known you all my life. I will miss our luncheons and dinners together and our wonderful conversations about family and life in general. I hope your son met you with open arms as you crossed over. I know how much you missed him. Be at peace my beautiful friend. Until we meet again…. ????????????????
I love you Auntie with all of my heart and you will be terribly missed every single day. May you rest in peace now with Scott and Uncle Bob. My thoughts and prayers are with you Dean and Deanna. I love you all so much! "One Love"
Cookie fought valiantly and never lost her positive attitude. My deep condolences to her family. Wishing you strength and peace.
We are very sorry for your loss, Deanna, Joe and family, Dean and son. Your Mom and Grandma was always happy to share in your lives. We know Cookie is now free of pain and suffering. May God bless you all with good memories to comfort and strengthen you. Sending our love and hugs. Aunt Vera and Uncle Rolf
Dear Deanna and Dean and families, I am SOOO very sorry for the passing of your amazing mom. I will never forget her amd her red lipstick. So many fond memories I have of childhood in your home and your parents always made me feel like family. My heart, prayers and thoughts are with you. GOD BLESS!!
Love Stephanie
Dean,
My condolences to you and your family.
Sincerely,
David Friedman
My condolences and prayers to all of you. She was a wonderful woman and I enjoyed talking with her often.
I know she is resting peacefully and happily with her loves who went before her.
Deanna, Dean and family
I am so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing, she was a wonderful and beautiful woman and always smiling no matter when you saw her.
I find peace knowing she is with Scott, Mr MacNeil and Andy smiling down watching over all of you.
Chrissy
Cookie was one of the kindest people I have ever met. Her warmth and hospitality will never be forgotten and will always be a part of me.
Joe. I am so sorry for your wife and family loss. You are in my prayers v
I recall the first time I saw Cookie. She was twelve or thirteen years old and all the boys including myself fell in love with her. She remained beautiful to the day of her passing. She will live on in my heart.
We are so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all.
I am so very sorry to hear about Cookies passing. She was an incredible woman, but more so, an amazing mother. Sending you all love & prayers.
Cherie
RIP Cookie…
Dean ~ my condolences to you and your family on the passing of your mother. I wish you strength during this tough time.
May you be at peace with Scott and Bobby.
Deana, I am so sorry I didn't make it up in time to say goodbye. I Know that Lois, Ellen and your mom are having a great reuion. She made quite an impact on everyone she met and be missed by all. Love to you and your family, Donny and his family and Mrs. P.
Deanna, Joe and family,
My deepest sympathy to you all.
Deanna,
My heart is heavy for you and your family. I am thinking of all of you at this time.
Karyn
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family ❤️
My dear friend Dean. I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your loving mom. She was a great mother to you and now an Angel watching over you. You and your family are in my prayers. God is with you my friend. Karen
Dear family and friends of "Cookie", I am so sorry for your loss. Cookie was a kind and generous woman. Deanna, I remember your mom when I came over to visit as a teenager. My thoughts and prayers are with you today.
Deanna, Joe, Dean and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. I loved Auntie Cookie with all my heart!! Whenever I think of Cookie I think of a ray of sunshine. She was one of my moms closest friends, There were very few weeks they didn't meet up for dinner over the last 20 years. When I was younger I always wanted to go to Auntie Cookies house, it included many of nights falling asleep at the kitchen table while Cookie & Mattie talked for hours, but I enjoyed every second being around them and having a biscotti or going outside to play basketball. To this day I have a Yorkie (Fin) all because of Auntie Cookie. Even Cookie's Yorkie Autumn and my first Yorkie Gizmo were brother & sister, and I can never forget Rainy & Kiwi. Over the years as I got older I didn't get to see my Auntie Cookie so much, but if Mom was out with her I always made sure to call and tell her I loved her, We always texted on each others birthdays and she always brought a smile to my face. Whenever I see Yellow Roses, Cookie pops in my mind. I love you forever Auntie Cookie!! Love Jeff & Julie, & Family.
My heartfelt sympathy, love and aloha to Dean, Deanna, cherished family and friends. Cookie's beautiful presence continues with her ongoing gifts of compassion and love on behalf of others.
Dean, Deanna, Joe & Family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Such a strong, amazing woman. I know she will continue to generate smiles in heaven. Love always.
Deanna and family, my deepest sympathy goes out to you all. You have been and continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Helen, Dean, Deanna, Joe, and children –
I am saddened to hear of the recent loss of your beautiful daughter, mother, and grandmother. You already know that she deeply touched many lives, including those of the 'surrogate children' that she welcomed into her home. She was an incredible mother and a magnificent human being. I hope it grants small comfort to know just how much she was loved and admired for her giving spirit and her genuine warmth.
Love, Dina
I feel lucky and blessed to have had the chance to know this woman who, whenever we were together, treated me with the love and warmth of a second mom. We will all miss you, Mama MacNeil!
Mrs. Bernier & family, We are so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute in her obituary.