Deirdre Anne McNelis

Deirdre Anne McNelis, a shining light in the lives of so many, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2025, surrounded by her devoted husband and children. A loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, Deirdre was smart, quick-witted, funny, very beautiful, and fiercely loyal.

She was born and raised in West Mt. Airy, a dynamic multi-racial community at the forefront of the national civil rights movement in the sixties and seventies. Deirdre lived her entire life in the city she loved, Philadelphia. From her early days as one of the first graduates of Parkway High School, a school without walls, to her years at Temple University, Deirdre demonstrated a deep intelligence. She brought that same energy and brilliant thinking to her work, first as the general manager of the family business, which she ran with her father and uncle. Later, she managed an innovative custom book business that she co-owned with Allan, often working alongside him and their children, Alex and Norah, and finally in the office at Kilian Hardware Company, owned by her brother-in-law and sister.

For more than five decades, Deirdre shared a beautiful life with her beloved husband, Allan Ash. Together, they raised two wonderful children, Norah (Yasin Nahl) and Alex (Lisa née Dowling), filling their home with love and engaging in cherished holiday traditions, like their Christmas Eve open houses. Deirdre was a great cook who loved exploring global cuisines. She enjoyed dining at diverse restaurants, shopping in ethnic markets, and sharing her delicious meals with family and friends. She enjoyed strolling through Chestnut Hill, going on family vacations, and returning each summer to the Jersey Shore. As a child at her grandmother's house in Margate and later with her children and extended family in Ocean City.

Deirdre had a true passion for travel. In 1980, she and Allan took an extended trip through Europe, inspired by her deep desire to explore the continent. Over the years, they vacationed often in the Caribbean, visiting many different islands—at first just the two of them, and later with their growing family. Their last big adventure together was a trip to Cuba in 2018.

Deirdre had a keen wit, a sharp mind, and a deep love of music, reading, and beauty. She found comfort in the sound of the ocean and found purpose in justice and compassion. A loyal supporter of the civil rights movement and the women's liberation movement, she believed in standing up for what was right and modeled that strength for those around her.

Deirdre offered fierce support to those she held dear. She was deeply proud of her family, and she left behind a legacy of love, resilience, strength, and joy. Her wisdom, spirit, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Deirdre is survived by her husband Allan, her children Norah (Yasin) and Alex (Lisa), her sister Hope (Russell), brothers Michael and Angus, her beloved nieces Finola (Jack) and Noelle (Michael), her nephew Rowan, and many cousins, extended family members, and loyal lifelong friends who will miss her dearly.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 19th at St Vincent de Paul Church, 109 E. Price Street. Visitation at 9:30 AM and services at 10 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Deirdre's memory to the ACLU of Pennsylvania, at https://action.aclu.org/give/support-aclu-pennsylvania .