Veronica McNeill Solomon

July 8, 1942 - October 6, 2026

Veronica McNeill Solomon, age 84, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2026, in Syracuse, New York.

Born on July 8, 1942, in Syracuse, New York, and raised in the small Erie Canal community of Memphis, New York, Veronica dedicated her life to her family, her Catholic faith, and her work as a writer and journalist.

A 1959 graduate of Jordan High School, Veronica went on to pursue a career in journalism. She worked as a lifestyle reporter for the Syracuse Herald-Journal, where she wrote the popular feature "Cook of the Week," sharing the stories of local cooks along with their favorite recipes. Her subjects included one of her own sisters, who was featured in a 1963 column. Veronica also wrote feature articles on a variety of subjects under her own byline, including an exploration of the special bond and communication between identical twins, drawing on the experiences of her brothers-in-law, Harold and Joseph Solomon. She later worked as a reporter for the Kalamazoo Gazette in Michigan.

Veronica's Catholic faith was central to her life. A woman of deep and unwavering convictions, she believed passionately that she was doing God's work and devoted herself to the spiritual well-being of those she loved. Her concern for their souls was heartfelt, even if her enthusiasm occasionally exceeded that of her loved ones. At times, even her devout Irish Catholic mother thought she might be taking things a bit too far. Her children and grandchildren, however, have reason to thank God that Veronica was not an early riser, making her time in the convent remarkably brief. Her brother Billy affectionately referred to that chapter of her life as "State Fair Week, 1960."

Veronica was a fiercely protective and loving mother, a cherished grandmother, and a loyal sister who treasured her relationships with her large extended family. She shared a lifelong friendship with her sister Ellen, her first roommate and closest confidante, and Mary Ann Skardinski, whom she affectionately called "Cookie." She was predeceased by her beloved husband, William Solomon Sr.; her parents, Ruth Scanlon McNeill and Henry McNeill; her parents-in-law, Joseph and Katherine Solomon; her siblings, William McNeill, Ellen McNeill, and Patrick McNeill; her brothers-in-law, Stanley "Bo" Solomon, Ken Fenton, and Gary Place; and her sister-in-law, Dale Solomon; and her nephews, Bryan Place and Travis Solomon.

She is survived by her three sons, William Solomon Jr., Patrick (Jennifer) Solomon, and Timothy (Tina) Solomon; and her cherished grandchildren, Connor (Rebecca) Solomon, Liam Solomon, Aidan Solomon, and Maggie Solomon.

Veronica is also survived by her siblings, Martha Fenton, Kathleen (Edward) McLaughlin, Regina Place, Michael McNeill, Henry (Nancy) McNeill, and Mary (Joe) Mannion; her sisters-in-law, Margaret Ann Albin and Susan McNeill; and her brothers-in-law, Harold (Angel) Solomon and Joseph (Susan) Solomon.

She is further survived by numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins, extended family members, and lifelong friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Veronica's memory to the American Cancer Society.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Falardeau Funeral Home, 93 Downer St., Baldwinsville. A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, 47 Syracuse St., Baldwinsville. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Baldwinsville.