Joanne V. MacNeil, 84, of Great Barrington

Joanne V. MacNeil, 84, of Great Barrington, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, October 5, 2025. She was born in Great Barrington on September 10, 1941, the daughter of Joseph J. Sr. and Mary M. (Bentley) Gop.

Joanne was a steadfast woman, dedicated grandmother, and nurturing spirit. In a world of ever-changing standards, she worked to hold old traditions true and kept family values alive. She was educated in local schools and attended the former Searles High School.

Joanne worked for many years as a supervisor at The Marian Fathers in Stockbridge. She was dedicated to helping and serving others. She was a lector for the Lady of the Valley Church in Sheffield. She was the local Avon lady going door to door. She was a special police officer for Southern Berkshire County in Egremont. She had a passionate personality and vivacious, unfaltering character toward the lives of hundreds while unifying a broad spectrum of people throughout all walks of life. She was undoubtedly the glue that held all things together—tethering moral precedents with compassion and offering keen critique to those who strayed away from the path of virtue. Her hobbies included gardening, baking, reading on occasion, and entertaining family and friends.

Joanne is survived by her lifelong partner James Bernoi; her children, Arthur III (and wife Melodie), Terri, Sherri, Rebecca, and Bonnie; her grandchildren, Amber, Nicole (and husband Dan), Warren (Pj), Todd (and wife Tabitha), Anica, Austen, Elyssa, Samantha, Troy, Penelope, Alistair, Arthur IV, and Cecilia, and her great-grandchildren, Rachel Bossen, Savannah, Brianna, Ryan, Hannah, and Joseph. She is also survived by her sister Patricia Kendell and brother Gary Gop. She was predeceased by her brother Joseph Gop Jr.

A celebration of Joanne’s life will be held on Wednesday, October 22, at Birches-Roy Funeral Home, 33 South Street, Great Barrington, MA. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 22, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the funeral home. Services will proceed after the calling hours. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in Joanne’s memory may be made to either Southern Berkshire Volunteer Ambulance Squad or The Marian Helpers. Condolences may be made through the funeral home’s website.