Mary Josephine (Jo) McNeil died October 10th, 2020. Born March 18th, 1928 to Joe and Flora (MacNeil) MacMullin in Beaver Cove, Cape Breton, the youngest of twelve. She was adopted at birth and became the eldest child of Roderick and Mary Catherine (MacKinnon) MacSween also of Beaver Cove. Her family soon moved to Antigonish where she was raised with her siblings Margaret and Michael. Toward adulthood the family moved again to Halifax where she became a proud nurse (Halifax Infirmary), wife and mother of six.
Proud also of being born in Cape Breton, this clearly showed when she heard Celtic music.
Caring for people was her life’s purpose and with her quiet and gentle demeanor she did it like no other.
Despite enduring Alzheimers in her later years, her courage and character were always present. As she would say: “I’m so lucky.”
She loved and was loved by her late husband, Ivan, six children, Christina Hill, Ann, Margaret Burt, Rod, Dan (Roma) and Tommy, thirteen grandchildren Colin, Sara, Laura, Liam, Michael, Daniel, Katherine, Jenna, Connor, Jessica, Mairi, Ryan and Emily and three great-grandchildren, Roddy, Keelan and Leo.
She is also survived by one sister Johnanna MacKinnon and two sisters-in- law Betty MacMullin and Mary MacSween and many nieces and nephews. Jo was predeceased by her siblings Michael MacSween, Margaret MacSween, Kay Nearie, Margaret Collins, Eileen MacMullin, Chrissie Whalen, Mary MacNeil, Rita Goss, Lizzie MacMullin, Stephanie Gallant, Theresa MacKinnon and Michael MacMullin.
A special mention to Donna Forsyth whose care and professionalism allowed Mom to remain at home. Her loving guidance throughout Mom’s journey will never be forgotten.
If desired, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Nova Scotia or a charity of choice.
Funeral Mass will be at Saint Benedict Parish, 45 Radcliffe Dr., Halifax, Friday, October 16th at 2:00pm. Please respect Covid restrictions.
Burial at St. Margaret’s of Scotland Church, Arisaig.
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