When people made friends with Margaret Neill, they found a friend for life. She went out of her way to stay in touch.

For many years she was secretary for Bethel Church in Crown Point. She became the unofficial reporter for her former Sunday school classmates, said her son, James Neill.

Margaret Priscilla Neill, 77, of Crown Point, died May 19.

For friends who had moved away, Neill would send updates on local happenings.

"She made use of her copying machine right in her room," her son said with a laugh.

Before her retirement, Neill worked at the Credit Bureau in Gary. Not surprisingly, she also kept in touch with her friends there, James Neill said.

In earlier years, she worked for Margo's Catering by helping at many banquets.

And, of course, she made many friends there with whom she stayed in touch.

"She enjoyed watching the Food Channel," her son said. Neill loved watching food being prepared on TV, but did not enjoy cooking herself.

She did like to crochet. She made about 200 afghans, and many family members have proof, James Neill said.

"We've got a few put away now," he said.

Margaret Neill grew up in Indiana Harbor and loved its history. She would clip any article about the Harbor she could find.

Her son said he often took her back there on Sunday afternoons to see the old neighborhood.

"She's finally reunited with my dad (John)" after 27 years of being a widow, James Neill said.

He proudly said she was a wonderful mother and loved her grandchildren.

Funeral services for Margaret Priscilla Neill were May 22, and she was interred at Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville. Arrangements were handled by Geisen Funeral-Cremation & Reception Centre in Crown Point.