Sonia Marion McNeill

MCNEILL, Sonia Marion

November 1, 1940-January 5, 2026

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Sonia McNeill on January 5th, surrounded by loving caregivers and friends.

Sonia was born in Berwick, Nova Scotia in 1940 and lived a life full of love, music and fun. Throughout her life she attracted many wonderful friends and caregivers. Sonia’s enthusiastic smile and quest for new adventures were both authentic and magnetic. In the 80’s Sonia, along with many of her cherished friends from D’Arcy Place in Cobourg moved to Peterborough, supported by Peterborough Community Living (currently Community Living Trent Highlands). For many years Sonia enjoyed her own apartment where she spent quality time with her beloved cat, Chelsea. Community Living provided Sonia with opportunities to travel, meet new friends, keep active with old friends and continue to be involved in community activities that she loved.

Sonia moved into Riverview Manor several years ago when her care needs increased. Although this was a tough move, Sonia’s sense of humour and love of life helped her establish herself in this new place. She quickly found a way into everyone’s heart becoming a self-appointed supervisor in all departments from Social/Rec to Office Management to Nursing. Sonia stayed connected with her friends in the community and could often be found with them at the Mall, the Casino, Showplace, Cineplex, Tea Rooms, Holiday Inn Riverside Grill, Boston Pizza and lots of other venues about town, just enjoying life.

Sonia cherished her many friends and caregivers. She felt it was her mission to spread JOY, which she did in abundance with smiles, laughter, bling and sparkles. Sonia loved music, loud and danceable and preferably ABBA. Sonia, aka the crazy cat lady, also loved everything feline, cherishing a large collection of feline-related treasures. Sonia adopted her precious Chelsea from the Humane Society of Peterborough and frequently visited there to marvel at their current ‘residents’.

So much love and appreciation is extended to the ‘Angels’ at Riverview Manor who loved and cared for Sonia through the recent years and in particular during her more current health struggles. The outpouring of visitors and recent bedside vigils was so heartwarming and comforting to Sonia and also to all whom she loved and whom loved her right back.

There will be a Celebration of Life held at the HIGHLAND PARK FUNERAL CENTRE 2510 Bensfort Rd., Peterborough on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 AT 2:00 pm.  Interment Highland Park Cemetery.  Reception to follow in the Highland Park Reception Centre.

In lieu of flowers Sonia requested that people consider making a donation to help the Humane Society of Peterborough to care for and find forever homes for the precious kitties in their care.

We invite all who knew and loved Sonia to share stories, pictures and memories.

Online condolences may be made at www.highlandparkfuneralcentre.com