Mary Euphemia O'Neill

Mary was born in Greenville, Ontario September 27, 1923 and grew up in nearby Capreol, the daughter of Dr. John and Azel (Green) MacLean.

Married to Ben O’Neill in 1946, they moved to Cape Breton immediately, where she quickly became the island’s most fervent supporter.

Mother of seven children, Mary still found time to read three to five books a week while also seeing to the many needs of her family. She was an active member of St. Joseph’s CWL and church choir, a tireless worker for the NDP, locally, provincially and federally, for which she was inducted as a Life member. Mary was significantly involved in the Royal Commission on the Status of Women efforts.

As more time was available for community work, Mary was a founding member of New Dawn, serving on their board and the Homemakers board until poor health led to her retirement at the age of eighty. Her first ‘paying’ job was with lawyer Elizabeth Cusack. Next, Mary was personal assistant to Father Greg MacLeod at the College of Cape Breton until the two of them, together, co-founded New Dawn.

Granny was a proud, interesting grandparent, as ready to laugh and chat with the

younger generation as she was to debate politics with them and the older family members. Her dining room table was the site of holiday dinners, bridge, tarabish and board games, crossword competitions and endless entertainment, in which she revelled. Music, stories, and endless food made every gathering her personal version of a ceildh.

Mary is survived by seven children, Tim (Lois), Jim, Greg (Hazel), David (DeeDee), Janet (George) Robinson, Patricia (James) Munroe and Kevin; twelve grandchildren, Kiley, Andrew, Kate, Daniel Riley, Claire (Roach), Virginia (Brand), Cameron, Liam, Seamus, Grace, Kevin and Aidan Munroe; eight great-grandchildren, Jonathan and Margaret, Sam, Charlotte, Miles and Madeline (Roach), Nolan and Owen (Brand) and step grandchildren, Gabrielle and Alex Lamoreaux,

Mary is predeceased by her husband, Ben; her three sisters, Jess, Joan, Margaret and brother, John; her beloved grandson, Adam, and her daughter-in-law, Star (LeVatte) O’Neill

The family expresses its profound gratitude to the staff of McGillivray Guest Home, where Mary spent her final four years. Their caring and support were invaluable. Thanks, also to the staff of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, with special thanks to the An Cala Palliative Care personnel.

Visitation will be held at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel on George Street, Sydney, Sunday, March 12, from 6-9 p.m., with service at that location on Monday, March 13, at 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to McGillivray guest Home, the An Cala Palliative care unit of CBRH or Doctors without Borders.

Words of comfort may be made to Mary’s family by visiting www.twcurry.com.