Sarah Elizabeth Neill's Obituary
Sarah Elizabeth “Betsy” Neill, 77, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2025. Formerly of Stratford, NJ, Betsy retired with Dick, her loving husband of 56 years, to Punta Gorda in 2006.
Born August 29, 1948, in Pittsburgh, PA to James and Kate Evans, Betsy could trace her heritage to 1640, when her maternal ancestor, Thomas Powell, lived in what was then Sittenburne Parish, Essex, Virginia, British Colonial America.
Although she never played professionally, Betsy was a talented, classically trained pianist. Her daughter, Lori (Joe) Jalkiewicz, of Marlton, NJ, fondly remembers sitting at the top of the stairs as a child just to listen while the strains of songs like “Memory” from Cats and “The Rainbow Connection” from The Muppet Movie wafted up from the living room. Betsy also loved to crochet, making doilies, blankets, and even a wedding dress for Lori’s Barbie doll. In her later years, she crocheted colorful covers for bottlecaps and assembled them into drink coasters.
Like many people, Betsy became irritated at other drivers on the road. She could often be heard muttering, “It’s tough to read a blank mind,” when they failed to use their turn signals.
Devoted to her children, Betsy attended virtually every marching band competition and soccer game, often distinguishing herself as the loudest parent in the stands, fathers included.
In addition to her husband and daughter, Betsy is survived by her son, Mark (Michelle) Neill, of Cary, NC; brothers Gene (Sandy) Evans of Lexington, KY; and James Evans of Spokane, WA; sisters-in-law Eileen Sanville of Haddonfield, NJ; Susan (Jim) Pfeiffer of Pine Hill, NJ; and Pat Jordan of Helena, MT; two grandchildren, Adrian and Becca; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at https://donate.nationalmssociety.org. Funeral services will be private. Online condolences may be offered by visiting https://www.FortMyersMemorial.com.
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