Mary Jane was born in St. Margaret’s Village, Cape Breton to Joseph Rory MacNeil and Mary Jane (MacDonald) MacNeil on April 23, 1915. Due to the death of her mother, she was raised with loving care and guidance by Julia and Morris Capstick (Bay St. Lawrence). She kept close family ties with both her family and her foster-family. After high school she attended Normal College in Truro, graduating in 1934 with her teaching certificate. Mary Jane then went on to teach school in Bay St. Lawrence (1934-35), Sambro (1st year of compulsory attendance in NS) from 1935-37, in Ketch Harbour from1937-38, and in Goodwood from 1938-40. Mary worked as a substitute teacher in many schools in Halifax over the years and finished her teaching career at The Home of the Good Shepherd in Halifax.
An avid bridge player, she played for many years at the Halifax Bridge Club. Mary Jane will be forever remembered for her knitting. Her wool and needles were never far from where she was sitting. Her socks are worn and cherished by family and friends around the world. As well, each year she knit many pairs of socks and mittens for less fortunate children.
Mary Jane is preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, George Raphael Gray; granddaughter, Michelle Gray, sisters, Rufina MacDonald, and Catherine MacNeil, foster-sister, Catherine Maloney and brothers, Michael and William MacNeil.
Mary Jane is survived by her sons Paul (Joyce) Gray of Pugwash, George (Elianne) Gray of Swift Current Sask, Gregory (Gail) Gray of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, daughters Julia Ann (Ken) Verge of Halifax and Catherine Peddle (Mike Brown) of Hubbards. She is survived also by grandchildren Danielle Daschuk (Kevin Fonagy), Nicole Gray, Tammy Beazley (Troy); Lisa Verge (James Norton), Sarah Peddle, Sean Peddle, Michael Verge, and Thomsen Brown; great grandchildren, Darrel Daschuk (Katie Marit), Brittany Daschuk, Brenna Fonagy, Christopher Loeppky, Michael Loeppky and great-great granddaughter, Lily Daschuk.
Visitation will be held at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax on Wednesday, November 13th at 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 pm.
Funeral mass will be held on Thursday, November 14th, 10:30 at Saint Benedict Parish church, 45 Radcliffe Drive, Halifax with Father Duncan MacMaster officiating. Burial/Interment will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery, Ketch Harbour. Reception will follow at 139 Frederick Avenue, Halifax.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or charity of your choice. Condolences may be left in J.A. Snow’s online guestbook.
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