Linda Myers McNeill

Linda Myers Paradise McNeill passed away on the evening of June 1, 2024 after a vigil of several weeks attended by her loving children and grandchildren and her amazing caregivers in the memory care unit of Inspired Living Kenner. Born on November 6, 1942, to her parents Ray and Sue Myers, Linda grew up in a household filled with her father’s infectious laughter, her mother’s wonderful cooking and endless card parties, and the company of her younger sisters, Ellen Giardina and Judy Hanrahan, both of whom survive her. The Myers’ home, even after Linda and her sisters became adults, was still THE place to be for the holidays, and later in life, Linda continued that tradition in her own home, expanding it to include the famous “crabs on the porch” her family so enjoyed.

Linda attended Charity Hospital School of Nursing, which she fondly recalled as the best environment for anyone to learn the profession of nursing. It was while learning what would be her profession for nearly five decades that Linda found her lifelong and ever faithful friend, Lil Samardzija. She later earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Holy Cross College and a Masters of Hospital Administration from the University of New Orleans. Linda was a highly qualified nurse, serving for many years as head nurse of the Intensive Care Unit at JoEllen Smith Memorial Hospital before moving on to hospital administration. She also was part of the early heart resuscitation team (the “Crash Cart” team), and she taught cardio-pulmonary resuscitation for many years, becoming one of the first nurses in Louisiana certified to train members of the public on this critical procedure. Linda was part of the medical team that stayed at the former Meadowcrest Hospital during Hurricane Katrina, caring for patients in extraordinarily challenging conditions and eventually evacuating them under armed guards.

Linda was the wife of Dr. David McNeill, who preceded her in death (and was another Meadowcrest Hospital hero of Hurricane Katrina). She also was the mother of five children, including her daughters Kari Freese, Melissa Schulz, Gretchen Riddle and Jennifer Coats, and she was stepmother to Jenni Campbell and Ron McNeill. Her son, Frank Hayne IV, preceded her in death. Linda also is survived by her grandchildren Jonathan Hayne; Annika Schulz; Isaac and Ella Riddle; and, Paul, Ashley and Maddy Freese as well as many wonderful cousins, nieces and nephews.

Linda had a life-long passion for art and music, especially symphony and opera. She was a talented painter in her own right. Some of the fondest memories of her children are spending time painting with Mom, beginning with the rocks and seashells she collected. Linda also was a fabulous cook, needleworker, and seamstress and an avid reader, sharing these passions with her children and grandchildren. She also loved to travel, and she and her beloved husband David McNeill travelled throughout Europe.

In her later years, Linda suffered from dementia, but she had a happy and productive life until shortly before her death, a life filled with dancing, more dancing, laughter, off key singing, and more dancing.

The care provided to Linda, and the honest and sincere love of the caregivers at Inspired Living Kenner contributed every day to her happiness, and for that Linda’s daughters and their families will remain forever grateful.

Services will be held for Linda on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at St. Philip Neri Church, 6500 Kawanee Ave in Metairie, with visitation at 10:00 am and the funeral Mass at 11:00 am. Interment will follow in Metairie Cemetery. To share your fond thoughts, memories, and condolences with the family, please visit the online guestbook at lakelawnmetairie.com