Catherine (Honey) MacNeil
Date de naissance : 10 juin 1921
Date de décès : 23 décembre 2008
Catherine (Honey) MacNeil passed away peacefully at Victoria County Memorial Hospital, Baddeck, N.S., Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2008. Born in Iona, June 10, 1921, to Mary (MacNeil) Ryan. Honey was raised by her grandparents, Christina (MacDougall) MacNeil and Francis X.S. MacNeil. On Jan. 7, 1942, at the age of 20, Honey enlisted in the Canadian Women's Army Corps. She was proud of the fact that she served overseas in the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. Honey retired as a lance corporal on May 1, 1946. She remained a valued life member of the Royal Canadian Legion Grandona Branch 124, until the time of her death. Honey was a faithful member of St. Columba parish, Iona, where she was church organist for 40 years. For her contribution to the parish, she was recognized with a service award on Aug. 23, 1998. Over the years, she often entertained at community events with her musical talents. She received volunteer of the year award from the municipality of Victoria County in 1996 and from the N.S. Highland Village in 2002. Honey had an avid interest in politics and was a member and active supporter of the Liberal Party all her life. Besides her mother and grandparents, Honey was predeceased by her husband, F.X. MacNeil, stepsister, Tina Campbell and stepbrother, Bobby Ryan. She is survived by her children, Sharon, Iona, F.X. (Gail), Northwest Arm, Sydney, Louise (Joey) Redden, Marguerite (Ray Souchereau), Halifax, Paul (Stacy), Iona, and Pius (Gail), Coxheath. Other surviving members include a brother, Gregory (Phyllis) MacNeil, Delta, B.C.; stepsisters, Gertie Jeferey (Arthur), Sackville, Louise Scopehetes (Nick), Sackville; and stepbrothers, Harold Ryan, Toronto; Jackie Ryan, Halifax, and Francis Ryan, Truro. Honey is also survived by eight grandchildren, Matthew, Stephanie, Joel, Emily, Samera, Dayna, Justin and Jessie, all of whom she loved dearly. Visitation will be held Friday, Dec. 26 from 2-9 p.m. in St. Columba Parish Center. Funeral mass will be held Saturday, Dec. 27 at 2 p.m. in St. Columba Parish Church, Iona, with Fr. Paul Abbass officiating. A reception will follow at the Grandona Legion. Donations in Honey's memory can be made to the St. Columba Parish Building Fund or Victoria County Memorial Hospital. Arrangements are in the care of MacAskill Funeral Home, Baddeck, N.S.
