Constance Agatha (Sparaco) McNeil

Constance Agatha (Sparaco) McNeil entered onto eternal rest on February 28, 2024 surrounded in the love of her family at the age of 94 years.

Devoted daughter of the late John and Lillian (Gazzaro) and sister of the late Agatha Boyd.

Loving wife of the late James (Jim) McNeil with whom she shared 41 years of marriage.

Dedicated mother to Marissa Madden and her husband Peter of Reading, James (Jamie) McNeil of Middleton, and Nancy Famolare and her husband Charles of Winthrop.

Proud Nana to Lauren Magro, Ashley Happy, Peter Madden, Kayla Famolare, and Gianna Famolare.  

Great grandmother to Joey and Dylan Happy and Lilli and Violet Bemister.

She also survived by her loyal fur grandbaby, Lizzy the Dog.

Constance lived most of her life in the Orient Heights section of East Boston and raised her family in the same home that she was raised in; Connie and Jim moved to Winthrop 25 years ago.

A devout Catholic, Connie was a life-long parishioner of St. Joseph / St. Lazarus Parish where she taught religious education, was a Eucharistic Minister, and a member of the Mount Carmel Society.

Constance, or Nana Connie as she was called by many, was a caretaker to all. At the age of 14 years, she began her career in helping others as a nurse’s aide at the Phillips House at Massachusetts General Hospital. She attended and graduated Winthrop Hospital School of Nursing. She worked in the nursery delivering hundreds of babies and caring for new mothers and made countless house calls to those too sick to come onto the doctor’s office. Connie nursed many people back to health, and helped many others die with dignity.           

Connie was a terrific baker and was especially famous for her lemon squares. She always had freshly baked muffins or goodies ready for anyone that might stop by for a visit, and there was always a home-made dessert each night after dinner. Dessert preparations for the holidays began weeks in advance and were a feast in themselves. She was especially proud that she was able to teach her grandchildren how to bake some of her specialties so that her traditions would carry on.        

Connie was also an avid Boston sports fan. While she enjoyed watching all the local teams play with her son and sons-in-law, she most loved watching and cheering on her Boston Bruins.

Family and friends will honor Connie's life by gathering at St. Joseph - St. Lazarus Church, 59 Ashley Street, East Boston, on Monday, March 4th from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. and again on Tuesday, at 8:30. A funeral Mass will be held in the Church at 10:00 A.M. Services will conclude with Connie being laid to rest at Winthrop Cemetery, near River Road and Cross Street, Winthrop.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Joseph / St. Lazarus Parish, or to a charity of your choice.