Louise MacNeil, a longtime resident of Boisdale, Cape Breton, died peacefully in the early afternoon of September 21, 2020 at Celtic Court in Sydney. She was born on July 1, 1932, in Sydney, to Margaret (Ryan) MacGillivray, and was adopted by Rory G. and Margaret MacNeil where she was raised in Iona Rear, by her parents, loving sisters Margaret "Mungie" and Sadie and brothers Alec, Joe, Don and Johnny.
She described her childhood as “wonderful”, growing up on a farm in the country in Iona. She was surrounded by animals and had a great love for all of them, especially cats and dogs. Gaelic was her first language.
She married her husband Jamie, who served in the RCAF. Together they were stationed in France and various locations in Canada. She loved travelling during her time in the military and looked at every move as a new adventure. She returned to Cape Breton with her husband and eight children where she worked at Zellers in Sydney and North Sydney until her retirement in 1989.
She loved singing especially with the choir at the Gaelic College in St. Ann's. In her younger days she loved to square dance. She enjoyed travelling with her family during the summer months and spending time with her grandchildren who she loved dearly. She loved Cape Breton for its beautiful scenery, traditional music, and Baddeck Lobster dinners.
She is survived by her children, Maureen (Axel Nafthal), Glenda, Cathy (Martin MacPherson), Maura (Albert Gibson), Patty (Jamie Pace), Barry (Louise), Andra (Mario Sallese) and Janet (Frank MacMullin); her grandchildren, Carla (Brian), Alana (Phillip), Dayna (Robert), Rudy, Jory, Andy, Erinn, Charlotte, Innis, and her great-grandchildren, Rowyn, Ciara, Lochlin, Avery, Arlo and Carson (due in 2021), as well as her brother-in-law, Joe, sister-in-law, Marie (Ron O'Brien); and numerous nieces and nephews. Besides her parents she was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Jamie MacNeil, sisters, Mungie and Sadie MacNeil, brothers, Alec (Ella), Joe, Don (Eugenie) and Johnny; brothers-in-law, Rod C. (Helen) and Mendal (Colleen); sisters-in-law, Annie (Cyril O'Toole), Monica, Theresa and Mary Louise (John Anthony Gillis), and sister-in-law, Alice.
Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of Tw Curry Parkview Chapel. Graveside service will take place at a later date.
Online condolences can be sent www.twcurry.com
Thank you to Parkland for their care and support, to Celtic Court for their compassion in her last days, and to all friends and family who sent prayers and well wishes.
“Gus am bris an latha agus an teich na sgàilean”.
