Lena M. NEAL

Lena M. Neal, 73, of Wellsville Manor, passed away on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, due to pneumonia complications, at Strong Memorial Hospital with her daughter by her side. She was born November 25, 1951, in Cuba, NY, the daughter of the late Charles and Ellen (Baker) Keech. In 1970 she married Robert P. Neal, who survives. 

Lena was raised in Elkland, PA, and attended their central school system. As a young mother, she moved to Wellsville to live on her parents’ farm. After her mother’s passing, she moved into Manor Hills and spent the majority of her adulthood in their community. While there, and in collaboration with the Allegany ARC, she participated in the Partial Program, allowing her to earn her own income. She was a devoted Christian Woman who attended every faith-based program in the Manor that she could. As a young woman, she had many pets from goats and chickens to dogs and kittens, but the cats held a special place in her heart. 

She is survived by: two daughters, Karen J. Neal of Elkland, PA and Frances E. Smith of Holdredge, NE; six grandchildren, Shawn (Chelsea) Neal of NC, Michael Swetland Jr. of PA, Jennie (Anthony) Lawson of NE, Richard Smith III of OK, Kimberly Smith of DE, and Melanie Smith of OK; two great-grandchildren, Natalie Neal of NC and Richard Smith of OK; siblings, Joyce Beck of Smethport, and George Keech Sr. of FL; great-uncle Harold (Stephanie) Keech; two great-aunts Luella Robbins and Darlene Keech; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by: a brother, Chester Keech, and an uncle Ray Keech. 

Following Lena’s wishes, there are no services being planned for this time. Please consider memorial donations to The Tioga County Cat Project, PO Box 160, Elkland, PA 16920. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com .