Born in Sydney, Alice was the daughter of the late John (Jack) and Mary (Hussey) Neville. She was predeceased by her husband Chief of Police Retired Richard (Boots) Walsh.
She is survived by her children Ron (Trish Jamieson), Sheila (Steve MacDonald), John (Marie McCarron), Catherine (Michael Kelloway), and Robert (Kimberly Ryan), and grandchildren Adam Walsh (Melissa Dilney), Zachary Walsh (Allison White), Jennifer MacDonald (Matthew Ernst), Ashley MacDonald (Ryan Jablonski), Joseph Walsh (Laura Doucette), John Michael Walsh (Jennifer Peters), Nicholas Walsh (Emily Osmond), Emma Walsh, and Joshua Walsh, and four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters Isabel MacNeil (the late Roy MacNeil) and Mary Neville, and numerous nieces and nephews that she dearly loved.
Following her graduation from Holy Angels High School, Mom completed a secretarial program and then went to work as a medical secretary at the Gaum Clinic in Whitney Pier. She loved her work, spoke fondly of the times spent in the community, and made many friends. Mom was an avid reader who liked sharing interesting stories. She had a wonderful sense of humour and thoroughly enjoyed engaging conversations.
Mom's family was the centre of her life. She was a devoted wife and mother who took great pride in her children. We will fondly remember the many summers spent in Red Islands at our bungalow. Most of all, we will never forget her constant love and support throughout our lives. In her later years, she welcomed her grandchildren and took such joy in spending time with them. She was so proud of their academic achievements, as well as their dedication to hockey, dance, drama, and baseball. No matter the activity, Nanny and "Bootsie" were always there. Their home was welcoming and full of love. Nanny’s nurturing role in her grandchildren's lives can be seen in the beautiful memories they share.
Mom was a lovely lady with tremendous faith and determination. She will be remembered particularly for her ongoing generosity. She reached out to many and gave unselfishly. She was so humble in her acts of kindness that we often learned about them from others. It was her great faith that shaped her life and gave her comfort in her final years.
The family would like to sincerely thank the staff of the Northside Community Guest Home where Mom spent the last number of years. We will be forever grateful for the amazing care and love she received there. We would especially like to thank the medical professionals and all staff members of Cara House and MacEachern Place for their ongoing support to our mother. Mom truly felt at home in this community.
A visitation will be held on Monday, January 22, 2024, from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel, 755 George Street, Sydney, with a Funeral Mass to take place on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at 10:00 AM at St. Theresa’s Church, Whitney Avenue, Sydney, with Father Evo DiPierro officiating with a reception to follow at the St. Theresa’s Parish Hall. Following the funeral, a private family interment will take place at Resurrection Community Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy can be shared with the family by visiting www.twcurry.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation, the Northside Community Guest Home, and the Alzheimer’s Society Nova Scotia Cape Breton Branch.
