Catherene Elizabeth (McCamly) McNeilly

Catherene Elizabeth (McCamly) McNeilly, age 98, of St. Johns passed peacefully on January 11, 2020, in Charlotte.
She is survived by her four children: Gail Lyn Miller of St. Johns, David (Sharon) McNeilly of Bear Lake, Dr. Paul (Julie) McNeilly of Clare, and Cathy (Andy) Rudnitsky of Charlotte. Grandchildren include: Teri (Wey) Miller Looney, Mandy (Kyle) Miller Koop, Kelly (Dave) Miller Myers, Stacy (Mark) McNeilly Peery, Jennifer (Mark) McNeilly Novak, Meghan (Keith) McNeilly Swayman, Andrew (Kathy) McNeilly, Thomas Rudnitsky and Anna Rudnitsky.
She also has 20 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Catherene was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Gordon McNeilly; her only brother, Derrol McCamly; and son-in-law, Paul Floyd Miller.
Catherene was born on December 28, 1921, in Homer, Mich., to Myron and Ethel (Hyman) McCamly. She married Gordon Louis McNeilly on June 28, 1941. She started Michigan State University (MSU) at the age of 16, and after three years, she took time off to get married and have her family. Catherene completed her bachelor’s degree in home economics at MSU in 1969.
Her children remember her as a person who loved life, was always very kind and positive, and she always encouraged them to further their education to reach their goals. Catherene loved to travel with family and friends, and she was an avid sports fan.
To honor Catherene’s wishes, there will be no funeral. The immediate family will have a private celebration of her wonderful life. In lieu of flowers, send donations to MSU College of Education, MSU Veterinary College or the charity of your choice. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Catherene on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.