It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Andrea June Neill on January 6, 2023 at The Ottawa Hospital (Civic Campus). Daughter of the late Robert and June (nee Martin) Neill of Sherbrooke, QC., she leaves in mourning her husband Stephen Barry, her three brothers Robert Neill (Lynne Julien), Peter Neill (Darlene) and Stuart Neill (Caroline); six nieces and nephews Brian Neill (Rachel), Erin Stewart (Ron), John Neill, Nicole Playford (Christian), Shaun Neill (Katrina) and Drinda Neill (Jaryd Nordstrom); nine grand nieces and nephews Mackenzie Neill, Cameron Neill, Abigail Neill, Nathaniel Stewart, Nicholas Stewart, Sepreina Playford, Rowen Playford, Emery Playford and Jackson Neill, a number of close cousins and their families; Artem Barry (Maija) and their son Karl (who has lost his precious AJ) and Suren Barry; predeceased by her sister-in-law Anna Mary Neill (Robert). Andrea loved and took pride in them all. She will also be dearly missed by her close friend Chris Mooney.
Andrea grew up in Lennoxville, Quebec, and received an education in French throughout her elementary and high school years. She earned a BA at Bishop’s University, and went on to graduate with a degree in law from McGill University. Andrea enjoyed a distinguished career with the Federal Government of Canada, holding numerous senior positions with the Department of Justice. She retired from public service as Assistant Information Commissioner for Canada, earning praise as an ardent defender of requesters’ rights under federal information legislation.
Andrea’s gentle and capable demeanour, concern for others and unstinting willingness to pitch in was rewarded with the strong admiration of family, friends and colleagues throughout her life. In retirement she enjoyed travel and wintering in Mexico where she would co-ordinate annual family gatherings with her brothers, their families and friends.
A celebration of life will take place in late April 2023.
We wish to thank the ICU and neurosurgery team at the Ottawa Hospital for the professionalism and compassion they showed to Andrea and her kin, and to the Trillium Gift of Life Network for their compassion and sensitivity in giving effect to Andrea’s wishes.
For those wishing to commemorate, please consider a donation to the Ottawa Hospital.
Condolences / Tributes
Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services
Digital Guestbook
Ursula Menke
Joyce McLean
Andrea was a joy to work with. She was a consummate professinal and privay advocate, who was ever kind and interested in others. To me, she was a wonderful boss, colleague, mentor and friend.
jeffrey mooney
We had the pleasure of having Andrea as part of our family for 45 years:
As Wife to Chris,
Sister in law to Jeff, Grace, Steve
Godmother to Ryan
Auntie to Ryan and Laura
Andrea will be dearly missed by all the Mooney family always
Grace and Jeff
Jeff Babb
I am deeply saddened to learn of Andrea’s passing. She was a truly wonderful person and friend – kind, considerate, good-hearted, charming, bright and talented. My sincere sympathy to Steve Berry, Chris Mooney and all of Andrea’s family.
Andrea was always pleasant to work with. She combined her legal talents with a gentle character to great effect. She was a pleasure to work with.