Jennifer Ann McNeilly, 49, of Franklin passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025 at home.
She was born Jan. 4, 1976, the daughter of Glenn Schmidt Jr. and Phyllis Westcott. From the day she was born, six weeks early, Jennifer proved that she was strong willed.
She graduated from Franklin Central School, Class of 1994. She furthered her education at University of Albany, SUNY, Class of 2014. In July 2025, Jennifer finally accomplished her dream of becoming a LCSW (Licensed Certified Social Worker) after many years of hard work and sacrifice.
Jennifer loved to help those in need especially children, and had been a social worker with Helios in Oneonta and more recently at DCMO BOCES in Masonville. Jennifer and her dog Malnificent became Certified as a Pet Therapy Team in 2024, furthering her gift of caring for others.
She will be remembered for her free spirit and her giving heart.
Jennifer lived on her grandfather’s farm with her beloved dog “Mal” and her Brown Swiss cows. She loved going to the beach, orange sunsets, rainbows, listening to music, singing, going to concerts, being considered the “fun aunt,” walking barefoot and was always up for an adventure. Jennifer loved spending time with her family especially her children, Jessi and Damin, whom she felt were her biggest accomplishments in life.
Jennifer is survived by her husband Richard McNeilly; two children, Jessi McNeilly (Derek Beers) and Damin McNeilly (Sierra Tweedie); her mother, Phyllis Westcott; father Glenn Schmidt Jr., stepmother Joan Schmidt; siblings Mindy (Trevor) LeFever, Glenn (Maureen) Schmidt III, and Brian (Alysia) Schmidt; as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was predeceased by her grandparents, Ernest and Helen Westcott and Glenn and Elizabeth Schmidt Sr.
A service to celebrate the life of Jennifer will be held Saturday, Nov. 29, at 1 p.m. at the Aldrich Baptist Church, state Highway 28, North Franklin.
To send the family an online condolence visit www.bennettfh.com
Arrangements are by the Kenneth L. Bennett Funeral Home, Franklin.
