The Toronto business community is mourning the sudden passing of Patricia “Patty” McNeil, a beloved Navacord team member, who died unexpectedly on April 18, 2025. Known for her infectious optimism and unwavering dedication, Patty’s departure leaves a profound void at Ccanada’s leading insurance brokerage
Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Patty McNeil graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Commerce. Her natural talent for relationship-building and strategic thinking quickly propelled her into the insurance sector. After several formative years with prominent local agencies, she joined Navacord’s Toronto office in 2018 as Senior Account Manager. In 2022, Patty was promoted to Assistant Director of Client Services, where she oversaw a portfolio of high-value corporate accounts and mentored a team of emerging insurance professionals.
Patty’s colleagues remember her as a guiding light in the office—a thoughtful leader who balanced rigorous analytics with genuine compassion. “Patty had a gift for making everyone feel heard,” said Michael Tan, Navacord’s Regional Vice President. “Her ability to translate complex policy details into clear, actionable advice set our team apart, and her warmth made our workplace feel like family.”
Outside the office, Patty’s passion for community engagement was equally inspiring. She volunteered with Habitat for Humanity’s Toronto chapter, organized annual charity golf tournaments to raise funds for childhood cancer research, and sat on the board of Women in Insurance Leadership Initiatives. Her drive to uplift others extended to her role as a mentor in Girls Inc., where she empowered young women to pursue careers in finance and risk management.
Patty is survived by her husband, Andrew McNeil; their two children, Emma (8) and Lucas (5); her parents, Margaret and Thomas O’Connor; and her sister, Catherine O’Connor. A private family service will be held in Toronto, followed by a public memorial luncheon at the Toronto Congress Centre on May 2, 2025, at noon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the SickKids Foundation, a cause Patty championed for many years.
Her sudden departure at just 42 years old has sent waves of grief through both her professional circles and the many charitable organizations she served. As tributes pour in, it’s clear that Patty McNeil’s legacy will endure through the lives she touched and the initiatives she championed. Her spirit of generosity, integrity, and kindness will continue to inspire colleagues, friends, and family for years to come.
