Gwendolyn McNeal, a beloved 61-year-old Berkeley native, died in a house fire on February 3, 2025. Renowned for her loyalty as a mother and grandmother, she had deep familial ties to her Cedar Street residence since 1974. Her daughter, Tequilla Warner, who started a GoFundMe to assist with funeral expenses, highlighted McNeal’s lifelong commitment to family and community, despite her struggles with health issues later in life, including disability and dementia. A memorial for McNeal has been established at the fire site for those wishing to pay their respects.
McNeal grappled with disability and dementia later in life, and walking became a challenge following a recent gallbladder surgery. They don't really know what happened.
Warner said, ‘She helped me raise my son, my son lived there most of his life... That was her world. She loved being a grandmother.’
Tequilla Warner has set up a GoFundMe account to help with funeral costs... and to visit her grandmother, who suffered burns across 30% of her body.
McNeal was a fiercely loyal mother and grandmother... she frequently visited Berkeley High School to support her grandson's events.
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