Christine (Kolb) MacNeel

Christine “Chris” Kolb MacNeel adored mother, grandmother and great-grandmother,
passed away peacefully in the early morning of December 6, 2025 with loved ones present. She was proudly, very nearly, 93.  Chris resided in Willow Grove for 70 years.

Chris was born on January 3, 1933, to Margaret Kolb and spent an austere childhood on her grandparents' farm in Egg Harbor NJ. Nevertheless, there she fostered a lifelong love of animals and developed many practical skills- from agriculture to carpentry.  Chris attended St. Nicholas Catholic School and then graduated first in her class from Egg Harbor High School in 1950, setting the tone for a life marked by intelligence, determination, and quiet strength.

Upon graduation, Chris became a bookkeeper in Philadelphia. After marrying Richard A. MacNeel in 1953 and raising their children, she returned to work at The Bulletin and later The Montgomery County Record newspapers. She then worked for many years at TASA (Technical Advisory Service for Attorneys) in Blue Bell. She enjoyed the TASA employees’ camaraderie, contests and many celebrations until, at 75, she finally retired and jumped into a life of volunteering and activity.

Chris was a gifted seamstress, creating one-of-a-kind Halloween costumes, special occasion outfits, tailored suits, bridesmaid and prom dresses. Her quilting projects were stitched with creativity in vibrant hues. She also had a gift for painting detailed ceramics that have become family heirlooms. A devoted gardener and houseplant enthusiast, Chris had an uncanny ability to make anything bloom under her green thumb. She could often be found with a hammer, electric saw or drill making renovations to the family home. In quieter moments, Chris could be found working quickly through crossword puzzles or playing solitaire and often reading not one but two books at once.  Always up for adventure, Chris traveled to Germany with Karen, to Scotland and England with Dick, and at 80, she flew to England by herself to visit family and the tulips in The Netherlands. She once enjoyed a hot air balloon ride and even hiked part of The  Appalachian Trail.

Chris was a quietly faithful Catholic who drove to early Mass every day in her retirement until she was 90. Generous with her time, talent, and treasure, she embodied her faith without fanfare. She was a Den Mother and Craft Mom to both Boy and Girl Scout troops. She volunteered for her children's teams, school libraries and classrooms and never missed a performance, game or competition. For many years she sold Daffodils on behalf of the American Cancer Society.  In retirement she volunteered at Queen of Angels School twice weekly.
 

Christine was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, Richard A. "Dick" MacNeel and their infant son Carl; her mother Margaret Kolb; treasured sister Justine “Connie” Kolb Long; and Best Friend and shopping partner Agnes M. Long.

She is lovingly and gratefully remembered by her beloved children: Richard C. MacNeel; Allen G. MacNeel; Kenneth E. MacNeel; Karen L. MacNeel-Croteau; and son-in-law Arthur E. Croteau.And also by her cherished grandchildren, for whom she was proudly, "Bebom:"  Christopher and Ashley MacNeel; Brian MacNeel; and Meaghan Christine Croteau; as well as her treasured  great-grandson Jaxon MacNeel.

Chris’s heart was generous, her wit well-known and her spirit indefatigable.  Family and friends will fondly remember the arch of her raised eyebrow that said more than words ever could.  May her memory bring comfort and a smile to all who knew and loved her.

Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing on Sunday afternoon December 14, 2025 from 4pm to 6pm at the John J. Bryers Funeral Home, 406 Easton Road, Willow Grove PA 19090.

Another viewing will be held on Monday Morning December 15, 2025 from 9:30am to 10:15am at St. David RC Church, 316 Easton Road, Willow Grove PA 19090.

Mass of Christian Burial will follow the viewing at 10:30am

Interment will be in Hillside Cemetery in Roslyn PA.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests Mass Devotions and Prayers for Christine and/or charitable donations to The Montgomery County PA SPCA; St David Church of Willow Grove, PA ; or The Wounded Warrior Project, three of Chris's many favorite charities.

Arrangements by John J. Bryers Funeral Home, 215-659-1630, www.bryersfh.com

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