Debra 'Debi' MacNeil
Born In: Sydney
Passed in: Sydney
Passed on: February 25th, 2016
It is with heavy hearts we the family regret to announce the passing of our wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend, Debra ‘Debi’ Eileen MacNeil, 57, on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2016 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney.
Born in Sydney, she was the daughter of the late Bernie ‘Papa’ and Frances ‘Nanny’ (Hill) MacPhee.
Debi spent her earlier years in East Bay and later moved to her favourite place in the world, Christmas Island. She had a great love for her family, friends, the outdoors, crafts and stock car racing, tea and her cats. She took a special interest in Gaelic language and culture and was also a Gaelic instructor. Her job as senior animator and costume coordinator at the Highland Village Museum was very special to her and she left for work every day with a smile on her face.
Debi is survived by her husband and best friend, Joseph; daughter Shannon Beag (Patrick MacInnis); son Hector (Nekole Surette); precious granddaughter Salerah; sisters Bev (Danny) Neville, Linda Nickerson and brother Bernie (Judy) MacPhee and her beloved nieces and nephews. In addition to blood relatives, Debi is survived by many other people that she shared a deep connection.
She was predeceased by her sisters, Sylvia ‘Dodo’, Nancy and Frankie.
Visitation for Debi will be held on Monday, February 29 from 2-8 pm at the Christmas Island Fire Hall. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday at 1pm at St. Andrew’s Church, Boisdale with Rev. Paul Abbass and Rev. Joe Ambrose MacNeil concelebrating. Interment in St. Barra Cemetery, Christmas Island.
A sincere thank you is extended to the doctors, nurses and staff of the ICU of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital from the MacNeil family.
Donations in Debi’s memory may be made to a charity of choice.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.twcurry.com.
