Emmeline McNeil
Born In: New Waterford
Born: December 14th, 1933
Passed in: New Waterford
Passed on: June 22nd, 2015
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our devoted mother and grandmother, Emmeline McNeil, on Monday, June 22, 2015 at the New Waterford Hospital, surrounded by her family.
Emmeline was born on Dec. 14, 1933 in New Waterford. She was the daughter of the late Daniel and Ida (Clements) McEachern.
Emmeline was a devout Christian and member of St Leonard’s parish. She was a caring, selfless and compassionate woman who donated generously to many charities including Christian Children’s Fund, the Regional Hospital Foundation, Operation Smile Canada, the IWK, St. Leonard’s parish and many more. She had a kind and giving spirit.
Emmeline enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, nieces, nephews and her friends from church and exercise class. She loved to travel around Canada visiting old friends and family. She recently went to Disney World in Florida for the first time and she made a very special pilgrimage to Israel.
Emmeline loved traditional Cape Breton music and would often spend hours listening to it even if she was alone. She enjoyed many great kitchen parties listening to Tommy Ling's fiddle playing, where often her husband would join in with the guitar. Emmeline loved to camp especially on Sangaree Island. We spent many family vacations on the island along with the many friends and relatives we would often drag along. She fed all of us.
She was a wonderful cook and baker. Her tea biscuits, pie crusts and cinnamon rolls are legendary. She was a very talented seamstress sewing, sometimes by hand, christening gowns, first communion dresses, prom and wedding gowns.
Emmeline shared a very special bond with her sister, Annie. She was Annie’s biggest supporter and protector.
Emmeline was predeceased by her parents Daniel and Ida (Clements) McEachern; her daughter, Mary, who died in infancy, her beloved husband of 47 years, Angus (Roddie) McNeil; her eldest daughter, Brenda McDonald and brother, Daniel (Donnie) McEachern.
Emmeline is survived by four children, Roddie McNeil, New Waterford, Kevin McNeil, Mississauga, Jenny McGillivary (Willie), New Waterford and Kathy O’Leary (Steven), Moncton; brothers, Wilfred McEachern (Aggie), New Waterford, Hughie McEachern, Sudbury and sisters, Annie McEachern, New Waterford and Dorothy Ling (Tommy), New Waterford. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She was a wonderful grandmother who will be sadly missed.
We, the family, would like to thank palliative care services, VON and the wonderful staff on the medical floor at the New Waterford Hospital. Special thank you to Dr Azer.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 25 from 7-9 p.m. at V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith St., New Waterford. A funeral mass of celebration will take place Friday, June 26 at 10 a.m. in the Parish Church of St. Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue, with Fr. Ray Huntley officiating. Burial will be in St. Agnes Cemetery with a luncheon to follow at the Knights of Columbus Hall, Plummer Avenue, New Waterford.
Family flowers only. Donations in memory of Emmeline can be made to Hospice/Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton or a charity of one's choice.
Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.
