Francis MacNeil
Born In: Hay Cove Richmond County
Born: May 3rd, 1931
Passed in: Marion Bridge
Passed on: December 27th, 2015
With heavy hearts we said farewell to Francis MacNeil on Dec. 27, 2015, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. He departed peacefully surrounded by his family.
Francis was born May 3, 1931 in Hay Cove, Richmond County, to Michael D. and Elizabeth (MacLean) MacNeil.
He leaves his true love, Ann (Owens) after 62 years of marriage, and children, Katherine, David (Martha), Cheryl Wolodka, Robert, Nadine Brenton (George), foster son Robert Brace (Wilma), daughter-in-law Sharon (Ronnie deceased) and son-in-law Alex Mugridge. Papa will be missed by all his grandchildren Daniel and Pamela Wolodka; Crystal, Lindsey and Nathaniel Mugridge; Charlie, Siobhan and Barbara-Jean MacNeil; Jennifer and Lynn MacNeil; Craig, Kirk, Kyle and Michelle Brace; as well as his great-grandchildren Jamey, Jessica, Kent and Jacob, Madison, Kayla and Chase, Anika, Ava, Abbey, Brianna and Brooke, Ashlynn and Paige, and Jake. He is also survived by in-laws, Billy Owens (Eva), Elaine MacNeil (Martin deceased), Michael Owens (Joan), Margie Doary (Roddie), Ethel Landry (Dave) Gert Malcolm (George), Gregory Owens, Joyce McMillan, Paul Owens (Theresa), Marlene Levesconte (Roy), Pat MacNeil (Michael deceased) and many nieces and nephews on both sides of the family including Pauline, Betty and Jack MacNeil and Gail Harold and Charlie MacKinnon.
He was predeceased by sons, Daniel and Ronald, his siblings Kay, Mary, Dan, John, Bill, Michael and Paul.
Francis worked many years operating heavy equipment both in Cape Breton and Alberta and retired in Marion Bridge where he and Ann became fixtures in the community. When he retired he proved himself an excellent cook and baker of his famous 'War Cake' as well as peanut butter cookies which made him popular with many friends of his grandchildren. He loved all animals and was well known for his involvement in the horse racing community as an early "horse whisperer." He was a renowned storyteller and loved old Gaelic songs and Cape Breton fiddle music as well as a good joke.
In later years Francis had several health issues which slowed him down. The family wants to thank all the excellent caregivers from Cape Breton Home Care, VON and the staff of ECU and ICU at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.
There will be no visitation or burial. The funeral service for John Alexander Francis MacNeil will take place on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016 at 1 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church, Marion Bridge with Fr. Paul Mc Gillivary officiating. A reception will follow at the Mira Seniors Center.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Marion Bridge Sacred Heart Parish Building Fund or charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.twcurry.com.
