Mary 'Helena' MacNeil
Born In: Christmas Island, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed in: Christmas Island/Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed on: January 16th, 2011
Peacefully, surrounded by the people who loved her, with great sadness and heavy hearts, we regret the passing of our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and loving wife, Mary Helena MacNeil on Sunday, Jan. 16, 2011.
Born in her own little heaven of Earth, Christmas Island, she was the daughter of the late Hector J. MacNeil and Annie (Gillis).
Mom is survived by the love of her life, her husband of 58 years, John Hector MacNeil; her beloved three daughters, Doris (Jim) MacDonald, Sydney, Anne (at home) and Florence, Sydney. Nanny is also fondly remembered by her grandchildren, Laura (Ron), J.R. (Kelly), John (Danielle) and Mark (Jannine) and as 'Old Nana' by her great-grandchildren, Lena, Brady, Makayla, Riley, Connor, Cole, Isabella, Rory and Joshua and Samantha (extended). As a sister, she will be forever loved by Margaret (late Gilbert) Shaw and Jean (Joe) MacLean, both of Dartmouth.
Patiently awaiting her in heaven are sisters, Mary, Kaye, Ceceilia, Tina and her brothers, John and Hughie, as well as three siblings in infancy.
A devout Catholic, she was a 36-year member of the CWL at St. Theresa parish and a member of the ladies auxiliary of the Royal Canadian Legion branch 138. She was an avid card player (tarabish and 45s) and a member of the Sydney Pensioners Club and Club 55.
All who knew mom, knew her love for life. With eyes that sparkled even when she wasn't smiling, all who walked through her door were treated like family. She lovingly touched everyone's heart she met. This was why she would not tarnish the end of her life with a lengthy battle with cancer, passing with poise and grace at home, on her terms. Often known for her sense of humour and her strong belief in the closeness of family and loved ones, Helena will forever be remembered as friend and mother to all she embraced.
Visitation for the late Mrs. MacNeil will take place Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel. Funeral mass will be celebrated Friday at 10 a.m. at St. Theresa Church with Rev. Jim Oliver officiating. Interment in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Cape Breton Palliative Care Society or a charity of your choice.
Online condolences to www.twcurry.com.
There's magic in a mother's touch
and sunshine in her smile,
There's love in everything she does
to make our lives worthwhile,
We can find both hope and courage
just by looking in her eyes,
Her laughter is a source of joy
her words are worm and wise,
There is a kindness and compassion
to be found in her embrace,
And we see the light of heaven
shining from our Mother's face.
