Deena Ann Neff

ANDOVER — Deena Ann Neff, 78, passed away peacefully Thursday (July 16, 2026) at home, surrounded by family.

Deena was born April 15, 1948, in Wellsville, to John R. and Violet I. Darling McCormick. On Oct. 14, 1978, at the Andover Rod and Gun Club, she married J. Thomas Neff, who survives.

She was a 1966 graduate of Andover Central School and later attended Alfred State College.

Deena worked for Certified Traffic Control in Andover, beginning in 1990. She held various positions over the years, most notably as an estimator, retiring in 2007 to take care of her granddaughter. Prior to CTC, she worked for Loblaws in Wellsville and also The Andover Market Basket Deli.

Deena had a strong Catholic faith with a heart for giving of her time. She was actively involved with the Wellsville American Legion Auxiliary and volunteered countless hours in helping out with many funeral dinners.

Deena had a life-long love for the water. As a child, her family would spend their summers on Loon Lake. Deena also loved boating, spending many summers with her husband, friends and family on the Kinzua Reservoir. While vacationing at Long Lake in Canada with her family, she first heard the lonesome call of the Loon (an enchanting cry) that began her affection for this bird. Later in life, she joined the YMCA and would go swimming weekly.

Deena loved her family and spending time with them. Whether it was the frequent buggy rides on the back roads of Andover with her husband, family and friends, to the many camping vacations with her family around the area. She treasured these moments in her heart.

Deena was adventurous and family oriented. Her mere presence filled the room and she was always dressed for the occasion. People would say she was a force to be reckoned with, but always a beautiful person inside and out.

In addition to her husband of 47 years, Deena is survived by five daughters, Susan (Douglas Weitzel) Padden of Rexville, Pa., Julie (Jason Barr) Neff of Greensboro, N.C., Stephanie (James) Waters of Andover, Kristi (Robert) Mason of Sneads Ferry, N.C. and Shanna (Timothy) Winters of Andover; a brother, Ray (Mollie) McCormick of Rochester; a sister-in-law, Carmela McCormick of Spencerport; a brother-in-law, Dale Gaylord of Andover; 10 grandchildren, Gage (Jessica) Padden, Ashton Crump, Sarah Crump, Avery Barr, Skyler Barr, Dylon Witter, Kendra (Aaron) Morehouse, Nicholaus (Amanda) Mason, Hannah (Abodeh Tawil) Winters and Reece Winters; four great-grandchildren, Riggs W. Padden, Murphy L. Padden, Beau T. Tawil and Whitney R. Tawil; her best friend and sister-in-law, Sandi (Raphael) Smith; her dear friend, Ann (Robert) Sherwood; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by two brothers, Gary McCormick and Roy McCormick; and a sister, Harriet Gaylord.

Per her expressed wishes, there will be no prior visitation. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Thursday (July 23, 2026) at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Rexville, with Father Stanley Kacprzak officiating. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Andover Fire Hall. A private graveside will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery where her ashes will be laid to rest.

Memorial contributions in Deena’s name may be made to Andover Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 714, Andover, NY 14806; and the Andover Volunteer Ambulance Corps, P.O. Box 726, Andover, NY 14806.

Arrangements are under the direction of Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover.

Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.