Carol Mae McCann Neckers

Carol was born in Clymer, NY, at the home of her maternal grandparents, on March 11, 1927 to Leo and Bernice (Legters) McCann.

She was a 1944 graduate of Clymer High School where she twice served as class president and was yearbook editor. Post-graduation and WWII, she fell in love with John “Johnny” Neckers of Clymer and they wed at Abbe Reformed Church on August 18, 1949. John and Carol made a handsome couple and she often referred to him as “so good looking”. They were devoted to each other for some 66 years, until John’s passing in 2015.

A few years after marrying, they acquired Carol’s birth-home and raised their two sons, Kevin and Bart, in that same home. Both being hard workers, they were proud to provide their sons with the opportunity for higher education. Carol herself was an educator for many years, serving at BOCES and Clymer Central School as a teacher’s aide. Prior to that, she worked at Clymer Egg Exchange and Neckers Company.

Carol was an incredible hostess, whose holiday meals were straight out of Good Housekeeping, and whose cinnamon-bejeweled gingerbread cookies will remain baked in the memories of her family. She had a witty and refined sense of humor that was complemented by John’s far more overt penchant for puns. He would drop what he thought was a clever joke, only to be met with her silence, at which point he’d ask “did ya hear me?” She’d calmly say, “I heard you, John. It just wasn’t funny.” When it was funny, however, her laughter was infectious.

Apart from John, there were few things she liked better than ice cream and Jesus. Multiple flavors of ice cream were always in abundance at her home. She was a longtime and oldest living member of Abbe Reformed Church, where she attended regularly (and let her grandkids eat ALL of the Certs she had in her purse). Carol loved to hear the Word of God and sing songs of praise. Even into her nineties, she would occasionally read to her great grandchildren and always comment about how handsome or cute they are. She perked up when family members would play songs or hymns from their cell phones. Even when she could no longer sing along, her head movements and eyes communicated the joy and comfort that music brought to her heart.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband – John Henry Neckers, her sister – Mary Lou Drake (B. Francis), and all of John’s brothers and their spouses – Alan (Marylyn) Neckers, Glenn (Tillie) Neckers, and Harold “Boo” (Lucille) Neckers.

She is survived by her brother – Chuck (Nonie) McCann of Litton, British Colombia; son Kevin (Nancy) Neckers of Greenville, South Carolina; and son Dr. Bart (Ann) Neckers of North East, PA; along with grandchildren Jesse (Kate) Neckers of Virginia, Jon Neckers of Viginia, Rhea Neckers of Michigan, and Kacie McGregor (Ryan) of North East. She also has four great grandchildren: Henry “Hank” and Joseph “Joe” Neckers of Virginia as well as Edith “Edie” and Margot Mae McGregor of North East. She is further survived by many nephews and nieces.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Corry Manor for the care they provided.

Calling hours will be observed on Saturday April 27 at Abbe Reformed Church from 10 AM prior to a funeral service at 11 AM. Burial will follow at Holland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Abbe Reformed Church, the Clymer Fire Department, or a charity of one’s choice.