Doris C. Neel 1932-2024

She was born Doris Mae Conway, on Aug. 28, 1932, in Youngstown, the only child of the late Alex Conway and Lena (Rose) Sternagel. She was the stepdaughter of the late Roy Hinchcliffe and the eldest of her five stepbrothers and sister.

Doris was a graduate of Berlin Center High School in 1949. She also attended East High in Youngstown, and prior to that, St. Joseph’s. Upon graduation, Doris worked at Brown’s Drug Store, first on the East Side, and then at the Bear’s Den location. It was there that she met her husband, Eugene. They were married on Oct. 22, 1955, and moved to Canfield in 1956, where she was a resident for 65 years.

After taking time to raise her children, she returned to work at Strouss’ in the Boardman Plaza, then the Southern Park Mall. She always wanted to be a realtor, and at the age of 60, earned her license. She was employed at Hunneman, Coldwell Banker and Volpini, and sold her last house in her early 80s.

Doris and Eugene were one of the founding families at St. Michael Parish in Canfield. Over the years, Doris served as president, vice president and treasurer of the church’s Altar and Rosary Guild.

She enjoyed playing bridge, arranging flowers from her yard, strawberry picking, summer days at Lake Milton, and above all, the Canfield Fair. She always kept active, either walking their dog, Tucker, or taking aerobics classes for seniors.

Doris is survived by her children, Lisa Marie Neel Morris (William) of Atlanta, Georgia, Kathleen Ann Neel (Allen Clarke) of Weddington, North Carolina, and Michael John Neel (Paul Baccari) of Marshfield, Massachusetts; her sister, Beverly Tracey of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida; four grandchildren, Jessica, Patrick, Julia Rose and Jack; and three great-grandchildren. She loved and was completely dedicated to her family.

Her family would also like to acknowledge her caregiver, Sherry Nicholson of Austintown, for all of her support with Doris and Eugene’s care.

A Mass to honor Doris and Eugene will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, July 12, 2024, at St. Michael Parish in Canfield.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Michael’s, 300 N. Broad St., Canfield, OH 44406.

(special notice)