Rachel Eileen McNeil

Rachel Eileen McNeil - 68, of Beaverbank, NS, passed away at home on January 1, 2013 after a 20 month battle with cancer. Born in Sydney, Cape Breton, she was the daughter of the late Norman and Margaret (MacAulay) MacPherson.

Mama will be remembered as a dedicated homemaker who raised a happy and loving family and who went out of her way to meet the needs of others. She had a lifelong curiosity about the world around her as well as a deep love of nature, which she celebrated in her oil paintings, cross stitching and other craft projects.

A voracious reader who loved to travel, Mama had made journeys to destinations such as Europe, The United States and Indonesia throughout her life time and she was in the process of planning a trip to Australia when she was diagnosed with Cancer.

She faced her illness until the very end with an inspiring mixture of calmness, good humour and iron will that underscored her love of life and her desire to remain with those that she loved.

Rachel is survived by her daughters Mary Clark (Tim) and Sandra Bowler (Robert), by her sons Christopher McNeil (Janette) and John McNeil (Lisa), and by her brothers, Norman MacPherson (Lois), John MacPherson (Nancy), and Gerald MacPherson (Sonia), and by her three Grandchildren, Matthew, Adam and Sadie Bowler.

Rachel was predeceased by her husband, Allan McNeil, and by her brother Elwin MacPherson.

Visitation will be held at JA Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax Nova Scotia, on Saturday January 5, 2013 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Funeral services will be held at the same location on Sunday January 6, 2013 at 3:00 pm.

Rachel and her family wish to extend their sincere thanks to the many dedicated professionals who came to our aid over the course of her illness. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Palliative Care Unit at the QE2 hospital in Halifax, Nova Scotia or to a charity of choice. Online condolences can be made by visiting: http://www.jasnowfuneralhome.com/