Jennifer Young McNeil

It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected loss of Jennifer Young McNeil, who passed away on February 20, 2024 at the age of 65.

Jen is survived by her husband, Angus McNeil, her children, Hope Mills (husband Josh Williams), Shannon Kovalevsky (husband Adam), Will McNeil (wife Morgan), and Craig McNeil (wife Cinthia), as well as by four grandchildren, Sofia, Peter, Sarah, and Cassie, and finally by her two beloved dogs, Haley and Einstein.

Jen was born in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1958 as the only daughter in a family of six. With three rambunctious brothers, she grew up learning how to hold her own in a male dominated world. She grew into an ambitious and tenacious young woman who did not let traditional roles to define her. She excelled at the University of Texas and became one of the first women to graduate with a degree in computer science in 1980. From there she embarked upon an expanding career, first in software development, and later in software project management. Her intelligence and grace brought her high regard, both personally and professionally. Jen was a devoted mother who raised two fine daughters while simultaneously managing complex multi-million dollar projects and becoming an award-winning expert in her field.

Jen had a remarkable zest for life and loved to seek out new experiences, which led her love for travel. Over the course of her life, she lived in Germany for eight years and traveled throughout Europe and the U.S. She appreciated arts, culture, history, and the outdoors. After COVID limitations, she continued traveling and exploring the world, road tripping with friends from high school around the Northeast, exploring Alaska, visiting the beaches of Aruba, and most recently, setting out on a European riverboat cruise down the Danube.

Jen possessed a strong faith and loved her church family at Northside Christian Church. She selflessly devoted time to those who were sick or in need, and her loss is profoundly felt by her community. Jen will be remembered as a trailblazer, a leader, and a warm mother and wife. She is most proud of the legacy she leaves behind in her children.

A memorial service will be held in Jen’s honor on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 10:00am at Northside Christian Church, 1300 George Washington Memorial Highway, Yorktown, VA 23693.