It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Eileen McNeill (MacDonald), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother on September 27, 2024 at the age of 89. Eileen is predeceased by her parents, Howard and Mary (Curry) MacDonald, seven of her siblings- Kay, Robert, Elmer, Kevin, Josephine, Murdock, Johnny, her husband Clifford McNeill, daughters Jean and Lynn McNeill, granddaughter Vicki McNeill and son-in-law, Kevin Carrigan. She is survived by her beloved children Donnie (Colleen) McNeill, Gail McNeill, Kim Carrigan, and Darryl (Deborah) McNeill, her 14 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, brother, Michael MacDonald and sister-by-heart, Barb Morrison.
Born May 23, 1935, in Glace Bay (Bridgeport), she was a miner’s daughter and the oldest sister of nine siblings. She was a go-to for her siblings throughout their lives, in her younger years helping out at home as care-taker and in her adult years, enjoyed many visits and phone calls to stay in touch. Eileen always talked of her life growing up, living with her Aunt Lizzy and Uncle Danny beside her parent’s house and reminiscing about life along the coast line, picking berries from the cliffs and muscles from the shore.
Eileen's caretaking abilities led her to study and become a nurse where she made many new friends and shared lots of laughs. Soon after nursing she met her beloved husband, Clifford (hitchhiking, no less!) and made the move to Sydney Forks. Her unwavering dedication to family shifted her focus away from nursing and fully toward raising their six children while being administrator and supporter of the family business with her husband over the years.
As her children grew and started their own families, Eileen became a grandmother or “Grammy/Gramma” to 14 grandchildren. She took this role very seriously, completely opening her home to all of them and offering support whenever needed. From babysitting to after-school caretaker, Grammy could always be relied upon to be there. One of her greatest joys in life was watching her grandchildren grow up. With 16 years between them all, her one wish was to watch all of them graduate - a wish that she did see come true.
In her last eight years, she moved in with her youngest daughter, Lynn and granddaughter, Meaghan, where she quickly found her renewed purpose - sharing lots of laughs and stories. During these years, Eileen was extremely grateful to become a Great Grandmother or “GG” to her eleven great-grandchildren. She always made a point to mention how lucky she felt to meet them, and would cherish every kiss, hug, and visit.
Eileen held on to her faith throughout her life and was a beacon of love and guidance mixed with wit and charm. She shared a special bond with those she loved; always finding time to listen, tell stories, and share her wisdom, sometimes while bouncing a child on her knee (“a-diddle-a-dee”). Her family will deeply miss her, but know that her legacy will live on through the countless lives she influenced with her nurturing spirit.
Following Eileen’s wishes, a small family graveside service will take place at a later date. May she rest in peace.
“No one spread more love in one lifetime”
