The Canadian insurance industry is grieving the sudden loss of a truly exceptional leader, Patty McNeil, who passed away on April 17, 2025. Patty was the Chief Operating Officer of Jones DesLauriers Insurance Management Inc., a key firm under the Navacord umbrella. Her passing has left a deep sense of loss among those who worked with her, admired her, and learned from her.
Patty’s career was defined by expertise, dedication, and an unshakable drive for excellence. With more than 20 years in the insurance world, she built a reputation rooted in deep knowledge of underwriting and commercial risk management. From her early days in the specialty insurance sector to her senior executive roles, Patty consistently raised the bar.
In her most recent role as COO, a position she held since late 2022, Patty led with clarity, purpose, and compassion. She played a vital part in shaping the company’s operations, introducing new performance measures, and steering the organization through growth and transformation. Her leadership wasn’t just felt in strategy meetings or quarterly reports—it lived in the everyday culture of Jones DesLauriers, in the people she mentored, and in the forward-thinking systems she helped build.
Before joining Jones DesLauriers, Patty served in several high-impact roles, including Senior Vice President at McLean Hallmark Insurance Group, Underwriting Manager at Travelers Canada, and Commercial Insurance Partner at Jones Brown Inc. These roles helped shape her into a well-rounded and trusted leader in a competitive industry.
Patty held the prestigious CIP (Chartered Insurance Professional) and CRM (Canadian Risk Manager) designations, which reflected her dedication to education and staying ahead in a rapidly evolving sector. Her work wasn’t just about policies and numbers—it was about building trust, delivering smart solutions for clients, and leading teams with strength and vision.
Her influence wasn’t confined to one office or one firm. Patty left a mark on the entire industry, from her leadership at major institutions to her committee work with Responsible Distribution Canada, where she contributed to vital safety and compliance initiatives from 2007 to 2012.
But beyond her achievements, Patty will be remembered most for who she was. A steady, confident presence. A leader who empowered others. A woman who combined brilliance with heart. Those who worked closely with her knew her as more than a COO—she was a mentor, a colleague, a friend.
Jones DesLauriers captured that sentiment in a moving tribute, stating that Patty was “a driving force behind so much of what we’ve built,” and adding, “Patty, you are forever a part of our story.”
Patty McNeil’s legacy will continue through the people she inspired and the standards she set. She leaves behind more than a remarkable résumé—she leaves behind a community shaped by her courage, compassion, and unwavering professionalism.
