Mary Lucrèce (nee Schroeder) McNeal, Pioneer in Lifetime Learning

Mary Lucrece McNeal, innovative educator dedicated to the advancement of Notre Dame of Maryland University and Baltimore city, died August 11, 2024, at St. Stephen's Green after a brief illness.  She was an early pioneer as founding director of both the Continuing Education program and the Renaissance Institute for lifetime learning, both at Notre Dame.  She was devoted to serving the city through numerous boards and volunteer activities.

Mary Lu was the daughter of Dr. William Schroeder of Portsmouth, Virginia and Helen Wilkenson of Baltimore, Maryland. Born in New York, she was a lifetime resident of the Baltimore area. She was 95.

She graduated from the Institute of Notre Dame High School (1946) and The College of Notre Dame in 1950.  She later served on the Board of her high school.

After she was awarded a master's degree in social work from Catholic University, she returned to Notre Dame, initially teaching history under a mentorship of Dr. Elizabeth Morrisey.  In 1972, Mrs. McNeal went on to found Notre Dame's Continuing Education program, and in 1989, the Renaissance Institute.  She received The College of Notre Dame President's Medal in 1987 and the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2003.

In 1955, she married Edward (Ned) J. McNeal, Sr., a business executive and a member of the Maryland State Legislator, who predeceased her in 2013 after 58 years of marriage.  Mrs. McNeal is survived by her son, Edward J. McNeal, Jr., daughters Mary Helen McNeal and Julia McNeal Smith, granddaughter Sophia Lucréce Smith, son-in-law Mark D. Smith, and loving companion John Holland.

The family said: "Throughout her life, Mary Lu's drive and grace led her to make a difference in the lives of countless others in the Baltimore community. She was a vigorous and generously loving person with a never-ending intellectual curiosity and enjoyed swimming in the ocean and playing the piano well into her 90s."

The family is grateful to the staff of St. Stephen's Green, Mercy Ridge and Stella Maris hospice for their care and support.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Notre Dame of Maryland University or the Employee Assistance Fund at Mercy Ridge.

A memorial mass and celebration of life will be held on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at 11:00 am at the Stella Maris chapel, 2300 Dulaney Valley Rd, Timonium, MD.