Hazel “Ann” Neil

Hazel Ann Neil, age 85 of Packanack Lake in Wayne passed away on October 19, 2025 in her home with her loved ones by her side.

Ann was born on May 29, 1940 to Louis and Hazel Hopper in Newark NJ and lived in Nutley as a child. She was a graduate of Wayne High School in 1958 and later Kathrine Gibbs School where she learned professional office skills. She worked in the Wayne school system for years and also at a Consumer Product testing facility until she became the Principal Clerk Typist at William Paterson College in the library department. Ann was the one that professors went to for help when trying to find information, and for the library Christmas parties she always got everything organized so everyone had a good time.

Ann was a loving mother to her daughter Heather Barno and son Chris Neil and his partner Lisa of Wayne. Ann's granddaughter Samantha Oras and her husband Alex, and is also survived by her nephew Raymond, and nieces Susan and Lisa.

Ann loved to read mystery novels particularly Agatha Christie and watch old Charlie Chan movies while she embroidered and did needlepoint. One of her favorite things to do was go on day trips to Atlantic city with her friends, she loved playing the slot machines. When she was younger, she liked to put together jigsaw puzzles and make matching clothes for her and her daughter Heather.