Mary Bernado McNeel

Mary Bernado McNeel passed away on November 29, 2023. She was 73 years old. Mary was born on May 17, 1950 to Louis and Dorothy Bernado in Barrington, Rhode Island. The third of four children, Mary knew how to wield the art of dramatics and a charming amount of rebellion to make her own space in the world. Whether it was standing on the seat of her chair at the dinner table to tell a story about her day or sneaking down to the church to confess the sins of her siblings, it was clear early on in her life, she was determined, spirited, and courageous. She met her soulmate, Douglas McNeel, in February of 1973, while he was stationed in Newport, Rhode Island with the United States Navy. It was love at first sight and the two married on November 17 of that same year. Doug transplanted his Yankee bride to his hometown of Marietta, Georgia. When people joked that she was a “Damn Yankee,” Mary would insist that she was a Yankee by invitation. Before long, Mary acclimated to Southern culture as her “yous guys” gave way to the proper “y’all.” Mary’s career with the New England Telephone Company was underway when she met Doug. After their wedding, she transferred to Southern Bell, which was later rebranded BellSouth. After more than 25 years of service, Mary took an early retirement package and launched her own successful party rental business. After several years, BellSouth realized they made a huge mistake by letting their most experienced and valued professionals get away, so Mary was recruited back to the company to continue her legacy as a high performer. Shortly after AT&T took over BellSouth, Mary took her final leave from the phone company when her department was outsourced to Sedgwick . She joined Sedgwick in 2008 to manage the AT&T account, and she took great pride in the meticulous management of all of her cases. Shortly after she was diagnosed with cancer, Mary retired from her professional life for the final time. Mary continued her full time career as she and Doug started a family that included their son, Jason, and daughter, Susan. By creating a warm and loving home, their concept of family was quickly expanded to include every child, friend, or neighbor that ever crossed their threshold. Mary and Doug operated under the policy of “Backdoor guests are best.” Finding comfort in the casual, Mary and Doug would be geniunely confused as to why anyone but a stranger would use the front door, or even bother to knock at all. Her friendly open door policy was just the beginning to what made her home so inviting. Mary knew how to entertain and have fun. Whether it was her knack for embellished story-telling or kicking off a dance party in the living room with her signature move, the “Bernado Bounce,” Mary was always the life of the party. With a penchant for whimsy, she delighted in every holiday, birthday, and celebration and took great care in decorating every surface of her house, especially for Christmas. Whether it was a party or a conversation over coffee, Mary simply relished the company of her family and friends. She was fiercely loyal to the people she loved and she was always there to patiently listen to whatever anyone had on their mind. She shared in your excitement, joy, and sorrows and never shied away from telling you what she thought you needed to do. Of all the ways she expressed her love, the art of crafting and giving gifts was the true expression of her heart. She joyfully created blankets, wreaths, cross-stitching, and paintings for her beloved friends and family, which will forever serve as treasured tokens of her great love. Mary took great pride in all of her endeavors whether it was work, crafting, gardening, or homekeeping, but her greatest source of pride and joy was her grandchildren. Despite her best efforts to will her first granddaughter to call her Grammie, Mimi is what she got and being Mimi was her favorite thing in the world to be. She spoiled her grandchildren to a nearly ridiculous degree and any objections from her own children would be answered with, “Mimi’s house, Mimi’s Rules.” She was extremely touched when one granddaughter dubbed her home, “My happy place.” Mary was joyfully reunited in heaven with her parents and her beloved younger sister, Lois Tracey. She is survived by her husband, Douglas Inman McNeel; her son, Jason Lewis McNeel and his wife Valerie of Dallas, Ga; her daughter, Susan McNeel Camp and her husband, Kevin of Decatur, Ga; her grandchildren: Marissa Claire McNeel, Jason Douglas McNeel, Claire Elizabeth Camp, and Caroline Louise Camp; her sister, Dorothy Grote (Doug) of St. Augustine, Fl; her brother, Robert Bernado (Shelly) of Charlotte, NC; her beloved siblings-in-law: Billy McNeel, Bubba and Kim McNeel, Jim and Ellen McNeel, Stephen Tracey; and dozens of nieces and nephews. The family will receive visitors on Saturday, December 9th, at 10:00 a.m with a memorial service to follow at 11:00 a.m. at Mayes Ward Dobbins at 180 Church Street, Marietta, Georgia, 30060. A private reception for family and friends will be held at the family home immediately following the memorial service.

Mary Bernado McNeel

May 17, 1950 - November 29, 2023