Joanne McNeill

Joanne McNeill, gifted pianist, teacher, and vibrant force of nature, passed away March 8, 2017. Born November 15, 1928 in Rochester, NY, Joanne began teaching piano at age 12 and performing on live radio at age 14. She taught for 66 years, enriching many lives.

A bright student, Joanne skipped two grades, graduating at 16. At 18 she was hired by Los Alamos, NM schools to start a music program. There she married Raymond McNeill and had three daughters. They moved to Las Vegas in 1952, where following divorce, Joanne opened a piano studio. In 1967 she moved to the Bay Area, opening studios in Livermore and San Francisco. In 2003 she moved to Berkeley, teaching there until 2010.

As a single mother, Joanne raised three girls in the 1950-60s, all college graduates with careers, grateful for the rich cultural life Joanne gave them. Joanne was vivacious, glamorous, and loved travel. In later years, she enjoyed teaching adults and began a series of workshops, students from which became friends and a caring network for her as she aged.

Joanne’s passing moves a star on earth up to the sky. She will be missed by her daughters Ginny McNeill Cebe (Jim), Margot McNeill Bellucci, and Mary McNeill, and grandsons Thomas and Patrick Bellucci, and Michael McNeill-Martinez. Joanne was predeceased by her parents, Robert and Arlene Connal, brother, Robert P. Connal, Jr. and his wife Doris, and sister Betty Ott Aldrich. Joanne has many surviving friends, but we extend our deepest gratitude to Kathy Chase, Genene Hill, Nardn Kobayashi, and Robert and Marilyn Kukuck, friends who went above and beyond.

A local celebration of Joanne’s life will be held in coming months. Email mary@mcneillfamilylaw.com for details. You can best honor Joanne by supporting music education.