Rita 'Dan Y' MacNeil
Born In: Ottawa Brook, Nova Scotia, Canada
Born: July 16th, 1913
Passed in: SYDNEY, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed on: March 30th, 2012
Rita ‘Dan Y’ MacNeil passed away peacefully at home on March 30, 2012.
Born in Ottawa Brook, C.B. on July 6, 1913 she was the daughter of the late Dan Y and Liza (MacLean) MacNeil.
She is survived by three daughters, Liza Boulter, Angela (Phonse) Gillis, and Catherine (Brian) Moore; four granddaughters, Rita Ellen (Ian Smith), Catherine Elizabeth (Kevin Ashley), Brianne and Morgan Moore and two great-granddaughters, Sarah Grace and Reegan Elizabeth; as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, Angus in 2001 and her five brothers, Neil R., Michael, Andrew, Archie, Willie and her three sisters, Bessie, Laura and Mary Peter.
Rita taught school in numerous rural communities in Nova Scotia and Cape Breton including Margaree where she met and married Angus MacNeil. While raising her family she taught part time, and when her children were older she returned to her joy of full time teaching at Saint Joseph School where she remained until her retirement in 1978.
Rita was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who filled her life with acts of kindness to others and saw the goodness in every situation. She was a member of Saint Joseph parish and the CWL. She lived her faith daily, and prayed regularly for her friends and family.
She was a member of the Cape Breton Artists Association, working in oil and water colours to illustrate the beauty of Cape Breton. She enjoyed travelling with her children and grandchildren, daily walks and driving tours with Liza, summers in Margaree, gardening, Celtic music, Gaelic conversations, and a “good cup of tea”.
Greatest appreciation is extended to Dr. Ann Frances D’Intino for her professional wisdom, empathy and kindness.
Visitation for Mrs. MacNeil will be on Monday from 7-9 p.m. at T.W.Curry Parkview Chapel. Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 3 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, 40 Cabot St., Sydney with Rev. Conrad Edwards officiating. Interment in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks.
Online condolences to www.twcurry.com.
Fois shiorruidh gu’n robh aig fois anam.
