Sarah Bridget (Burchell) MacNeil
Lieu de naissance : Sydney Mines, Nouvelle Ecosse, Canada
Date de naissance : 17 février 1917
Lieu de décès : Sydney, Nouvelle Ecosse, Canada
Date de décès : 9 juillet 2012
On Monday, July 9, 2012, Sarah ‘Sally’ MacNeil passed away peacefully at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. As she embarked on her journey home, she was surrounded by her loving family.
She was a longtime resident of the north end.
Sarah was a wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She lived a long and full life, content with her life story and very much ready for the next chapter. She will be missed by family, friends and neighbours who loved her dearly. Memories of her humour, love and unique character will be with each of us forever, we are truly blessed to have had the opportunity to share so many years with her.
Born to Charles and Mary-Jane (Campbell) Burchell, she grew up in Sydney Mines, sharing her home with four siblings. She was always up for fun and laughter. She spent her time going to dances, playing the piano, harmonica and accordion.
She was an avid softball player, stepdancer and was even known for stealing a boyfriend or two. She loved her soaps and bingo, but most of all she loved entertaining her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Her kitchen was the gathering spot for family, where laughter, tea and homemade treats were shared by all who came for a visit. Up until her death she loved to bake molasses cookies, tea biscuits and pies. She put us all to shame with her baking skills. It is sad to think we will never again get to experience the taste of her most yummy blueberry pies. The best tasting goodies are those made with pride and love, she had both of those in abundance for her loved ones.
Sarah was predeceased by her parents, Charles and Mary Jane (Campbell) Burchell as well as her siblings, Sid, Charles, Stella and Mary. She was also predeceased by her loving husband, Murdock MacNeil, who was the love of her life. They spent over 40 years together as husband and wife.
Sarah was the last surviving member of her family.
Left behind to mourn her loss are her five children, John C. ‘Met’ MacNeil (Lorraine), Sydney, Daniel ‘Brother’ MacNeil (Jackie), Sydney, Mary ‘Sister’ Matheson (Sheldon), Sydney, Alberta ‘Bertie’ Van de Reit (Chris), Shubenacadie, and Brian MacNeil, Sydney. Sarah was a wonderful “Nanny” to her grand and great-grandchildren. Left to mourn her loss are her grandchildren, Mark, Michelle, Monique, Michael, Shauna, Shellon, Shane, Shawn, Irene, John Dan, Sara, Jennifer, Kristine, Amanda, Kayla and Jenna. She will be dearly missed by her great-grandchildren, Joshua, Christian, Jeremiah, Gabrielle, Bradie Lyn, Samantha, Gracie, Luke, Dylan, Logan, William, Rory, Carter, Jessica, Lochlin, Sadie, John, Brooke, Layla Rose and Marley Jadyn. We are awaiting the arrival of two new additions, we are certain that Nanny will be watching over them. Sarah will also be greatly missed by her many nieces and nephews from both the Birchell and MacNeil families.
A wake will be held at the S.W. Chant & Son Funeral Home, 564 Alexandra St., Sydney. Visitation will be July 12 at 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The funeral mass will take place Friday, July 13, 2012, at Sacred Heart Church, Sydney, and will be officiated by Fr. Anthony O’Connor. Burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery. A gathering and refreshments will be served at Chants Funeral home after the burial has taken place.
Donations may be made to the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, 601 Taylor St. West, Saskatoon, Sask., S7M 0C9 or the charity of one’s choice.
Online condolences may be sent to our web page at www.chantfuneralhome.com.
