Virginia passed away June 14, 2019 in Digby, N.S. as her family held her hands and whispered I love you.
She was born Sept. 22, 1933 in Hilltown, N.S., to parents Bertha (Manzer) and Ronald Pierce. She was just a teenager when she met and married Joseph O’Neill, the man she loved for the rest of her life. The two are to be buried together and will remain eternally connected. Together, they accomplished a feat most people couldn’t fathom: they raised 11 amazing children. You can’t spend a second with the O’Neills without spilling over in laughter. The family’s hard work ethic and sense of humour in the face of any obstacle is a product of their upbringing.
Virginia worked hard to provide for her children, often doing side jobs on top of her work as a cleaner and cook at Digby General Hospital. She was strong and determined, and she never met a challenge she couldn’t beat.
She was a mom who taught her children to be there for each other, and always defended them. She created a home that always felt like home.
To her grandchildren, she was the grammy of movies and stories. The one everyone wishes they had. The grammy who’s always cuddling a baby in her arms, who knits her grandkids hats and socks and makes sure they have a full belly before they leave.
She had raw talent. She could make something out of nothing, and often did. To say that she was gifted with a needle and thread would be an understatement.
She made clothes for her children and dolls for kids in the neighbourhood; brides would come from all over to have Virginia sew their wedding dresses.
What her family will hold forever, apart from all the memories, are her quilts.
Virginia was so much to so many and has left a legacy of strength and love that her family will carry on.
She is predeceased by her parents Bertha (Manzer) and Ronald Pierce; siblings, Leslie Pierce, Viola Lombard, Phyllis Gavel and Ronald Manzer; husband, Joseph O’Neill; and daughter Goldie O’Neill.
She is survived by her sister, Sadie Densmore; children, Gordon (Sheila) O’Neill, Gaye (Ross) Morrell, Beverley Weir, Peggy (Ronald) Barr, Su-Ellen Saunders, Glenn (Margaret) O’Neill, Joseph (Marilyn) O’Neill, Tammy (Jeff) Mullen, Rebecca (Keith) Veinot, Jamie (Ava) O’Neill; grandchildren, Gordon Jr., Jennie, Nicholus, Shirley, Wendy, Ray, Chad, Leslie, Goldie, Graham, Mary-Ellen, Corey, Michelle, Joseph, Katelynn, Sean, Kiah-Jade, Tyler, Travis, Emily, Madelaine, Justin and Cody; 25 cherished great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held in her honour at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at St. Mary’s Bay Baptist Church at 8304 Highway 101 in Barton, N.S.
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