Sheena Jessie Neel, age 89, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 9, 2024, with daughter Traci and son Jeff by her side. Sheena was born on December 3, 1934, in Glasgow, Scotland. She was the daughter of Charles and Nancy Currie and sister of Carol Minor. Sheena moved to the United States at age 13 with her mother and sister after losing her father, a ship engineer, in World War II. They moved to Rockport, TX to be closer to her aunts and uncles. She started high school at Rockport-Fulton High School in pig tails and bows which had her sticking out in a small Texas town. Sheena attended Texas Women’s University in Denton, TX and graduated with a degree in Merchandising. She was crowned Red Bud Princess and Sophomore Beauty during her time there and was a candidate for Texas A&M sweetheart.

Post college, she moved to San Antonio as part of the Joske’s Executive Training Program. Shortly after, she met her husband, Joe Neel, from Mineral Wells, TX. They married in 1958 in Rockport and went on to have three children, Jeff, Chris and Traci. They lived in El Paso, Odessa, Dallas and again in San Antonio. They moved to Albuquerque in 1971.

Sheena was a beloved wife, mother and nana, and volunteer extraordinaire. Sheena was known for being a Room Mom, PTA President, Cub Scout Den Mother and Brownie Troop Leader; serving on the Board and as President of All Faiths Children’s Advocacy Center; running the concession stand at Altamont Little League; playing bridge in many different bridge groups; hosting an annual craft fair with other local crafters; and most notably for being the “Estee Lauder Lady” at Broadway and then Macy’s for 40+ years, finally retiring at 81. Sheena will be remembered for her big heart, natural grace, endless caring, craftiness, ability to find a bargain, always putting everyone else first, incredible work ethic, her funny stories, remembering the little things count, her consistent black hair bow and that beautiful Scottish skin of hers! Sheena loved spending time with her family, reading, volunteering, crafting, shopping and lunching with the ladies. She will be dearly missed by many.

Sheena is survived by her oldest son Jeff Neel (wife Carole) of Las Vegas, NV and her daughter Traci Neel Dondanville (husband Steve) of Walnut Creek, CA, and her grandchildren (Jeffrey Neel, Caitlin Neel, Austin Dondanville, Ryan Neel, Mackenzie Dondanville & Morgan Neel). Sheena’s son, Chris Neel, passed away in 2014.

On July 13th, a celebration of life for friends and family will be held at Heights Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 8600 Academy Rd. NE in Albuquerque, at 11:00am, with a reception to follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to All Faiths Children’s Advocacy Center, 1709 Moon St. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112-3973, 505-271-0329.

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