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Isabelle MacNeil

Isabelle MacNeil

Born In: Nova Scotia, Canada

Passed in: Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed on: December 16th, 2014

LITTLE HARBOUR – Mary Isabelle (MacLeod) MacNeil, in her 91st year, passed peacefully at the Maritime Odd Fellows Home in Pictou, Nova Scotia on Tuesday, December 15, 2014, with her youngest daughter by her side.
She was predeceased by her husband, Robert R. (Bobber) MacNeil; her parents, Frederick and Edith MacLeod; her brothers-in-law Donald and Frank MacNeil (Jr.); and her sister-in-law Elizabeth (Betty) MacNeil.
Isabelle is survived by her two daughters, Susan MacNeil, Brantford, Ontario and Meg (Stephen) Clark of Little Harbour. She will be greatly missed by her grandsons, MacNeil and Woody Cornez, both of Calgary, Alberta, of whom she was very proud. Nieces and nephews, and especially sister-in-law Mardy MacNeil, will miss her presence and love.
Isabelle was a life-long learner who received a diploma from Acadia University in Home Economics, followed by three years of nursing training, receiving her R.N. at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal. When her daughters were grown, she returned to school to retrain before re-entering the nursing profession. She married her soul mate, Robert MacNeil in September, 1948. Thus began a 55 year marriage, during which Bobber and Isabelle moved numerous times through four provinces. With each move, they made lifetime friends and were blessed with many fine memories of their stay in each location. Strong faith and active involvement in the Presbyterian and United Churches was a key element of Isabelle’s life. Isabelle taught Sunday school, ran the CGIT (Canadian Girls in Training) in numerous churches, and was an active participant and leader in Bible study. Mom was a nature enthusiast and animal lover. She created beautiful gardens at every home and often had to be encouraged to stop gardening when darkness fell. An excellent cook, gracious hostess and elegant decorator, she taught her two daughters the joy of a calm and soothing home environment. Always eager to return home, Isabelle would head to Little Harbour every summer with her two daughters, where the family would stay for the full two months of summer. In 1986, Isabelle and Bobber returned to Little Harbour where they built a home. Summer trips to the island with Donald and Mardy MacNeil were a highlight of these years and have produced many hilarious stories and memories which have been shared through the years. She actively participated on the boards of The Victorian Order of Nurses and the Palliative Care. She was a faithful member of Little Harbour Presbyterian Church. In 2001, Isabelle conquered ovarian cancer, but was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She took up residence at the Maritime Odd Fellows Home in December 2001 where she spent the final thirteen years of her life. Greatly loved by staff and many fellow residents, in the early years, Mom was known for deadheading the flowers in the gardens, and rearranging the furniture in the Great Room. Even when her ability to speak was lost, Mom was able to clearly communicate her desires and opinions with her eyes and facial expressions. Staff commented frequently on her beautiful talking eyes.
The family lovingly thanks the staff at The Odd Fellows Home for their exceptional care and love; Russell Oehmen for his patience and outstanding work for our family; and the family members and friends who continued to visit and care for Isabelle.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 19 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at R.H. Porter Funeral Home, New Glasgow. A memorial service will be held at a later date, when all members of the family can be present.
Donations in her memory may be made to the Maritime Odd Fellows Home or Aberdeen Palliative Care Society.
Condolences may be sent by visiting: www.rhporter.ca

 

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