Before her passing, she explained to her very dedicated, compassionate and caring team of medical professionals that "Miracles do happen, and I already received my miracle." She felt that her illness, although not curable, was a miracle that brought her family closer together. She enjoyed spending every moment she had left surrounded by her loved ones.
Gora was born in Inverness, and was a daughter of the late Dan. C MacNeil and Catherine Isabel (Walker) MacNeil.
With very strong faith and love for God, she was a member of Stella Maris Parish and Choir, Inverness Prayer Group and spent many years volunteering to sit with the elderly in Inverness Hospital and Inverary Manor. Gora's favorite things to do were spend time with her children and grandchildren who she loved more than anything in this world. She was well known for providing ice cream and pop to her nieces, nephews and children in her neighborhood. Gora loved music, both singing and playing guitar. She enjoyed swimming and spending time at the beach. She often spoke of her prayer group family and involvement with the church. Her incredible faith, love and support from family and friends made her end of life journey more acceptable. All of the people that knew her would describe her as loving, caring, witty, kind and a good friend to all who were a part of her life.
Surviving are her daughter, Melissa (Daniel) MacLennan Inverness; son, Phoenix Harper, Sydney; partner and best friend, John Roy (Jack) Wiswell and his son, Jackson Matthews, sisters, Augusta (late Steve) Parker, Alberta; Rose (Frank) MacDonald, Inverness; Lorraine (Michael) Webb, Inverness; Shay (Donnie) MacDonnell, Inverness; brothers, John Dan (Isabel) MacNeil, Cregnish; Campbell (Jeanie) MacNeil, Inverness; Blaise (Bernadine Reeb) MacNeil, Ontario; Damian MacNeil-Walsh, Alberta; grandchildren, Lucas, Isabella, Tanner and Charlie Shay and many nieces and nephews who she loved very much.
Along with her parents she was predeceased by sisters, Catherine Ann MacNeil and Donna Marie MacNeil-Walsh.
The family would like to acknowledge Lori Ann, Paulette, Drs. Ritter and Bennett and all medical staff who cared for Gora over the last 3 months.
Visitation will be held on Friday, July 19 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in Inverness Funeral Home, Inverness. Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, July 20 at 11 a.m in Stella Maris Church, Inverness, with Father Dan MacDonald officiating. Burial to follow in the parish cemetery.
Donations in memory of Gora can be made to Stella Maris Parish, Inverness or Central Inverness Palliative Care Society.
Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com
