MARJORIE R. O'NEILL (Nee CLARKE) : Born to Dora (Gallant) and Fred Clarke in Amherst, NS on Sept. 4, 1932. She passed peacefully on Sept. 12, 2015 in her "new little apartment" at the Windsor Elms Village, Falmouth, NS. She was grateful for being able to share this journey with loved ones including Granddaughters and "Zoe" the cat.
Mom left us with many fond stories of growing up with a loving Mother and lots of siblings. Being the eldest she enjoyed helping to care for the younger ones. She was proud of her Acadian heritage, a gift from her Mother. During a recent visit, she shared she was going to spend the afternoon on Park St., visiting her Grandpa - she wasn't sure how she was getting there. I was invited. Wow...what an honour to travel in time and spend an afternoon with my Great Grandfather Cornelius Gallant. We even bought him a V8 juice and crackers from the vending machine, she was confident he would enjoy these. She loved to give people gifts. Things she made, a recent purchase she realized would be perfect for someone else. She loved to sew and do crafty projects. She encouraged her children to be creative and resourceful. And, yes...she did make us walk a mile to school in 10 ft. of snow. She was determined to teach us independence and strength. She loved to laugh and tease and have fun. This could include dancing or just eating chocolate.
She leaves behind a family of sisters, who just like her, are admirable, caring and independent women. Lorraine, Gail and Donna of Ontario, and Doreen and Barb of Nova Scotia. Brothers whom she adored, Gordon and Garey of Ontario, Sherman of Nova Scotia, and David of the United States. Nieces and Nephews around the world. Her proudest accomplishments were her children and she loved to talk about us. A son, John (Skip) and wife Donna. Daughters Patti, spouse Geoff, Barbi and husband Bill. Six terrific Grandchildren who have all grown into healthy young adults...she also loved to talk about them. Justin Gogan, Erica O'Neill, Mallory O'Neill, Katie O'Neill, Shane Chapman and Samantha Chapman. One Great Granddaughter, Jaida Gogan. She was predeceased by Brothers Donald and Robert in childhood, Danny who always made time for a visit when he was in town, her former husband Rod O'Neill whom she often referred to as "that SOB." Best friend Eileen.
Prayer service at graveside, St. Charles Cemetery, Amherst, NS on Friday, September 18, 2015, at 1:00 p.m. Family flowers only. Memorial donations can be made to Cumberland Regional Health Care Foundation's Palliative Care Fund or Cumberland County Museum and Archives.