Florence Ann Campbell MacNeil

      “Seeing is believing.” For many, those words simply represent a motto. But for Florence Ann MacNeil, it summarized in every way who she was. She was modest, quiet and observant, taking in everything around her and always thinking before acting. She was a realist, someone who was efficient and practical in everything she did. She was a friendly person who truly cared about those around her.

      Florence was born on April 4, 1939 at At Home in Jamesville, Iona. She was the daughter of Neil and Sadie Campbell. Raised in Jamesville, Iona, she was brought up to be tolerant and trustworthy. As a child, she learned to be conscientious, responsible and punctual. These were all traits that she would carry with her throughout her life.

      As a young girl, Florence was always aware of how others around her felt and this quality served her well. With a deep capacity to tolerate the feelings of others, Florence was generally able to avoid conflicts. It seemed as if Florence was the family member who was always working to keep stress at bay. Preferring a quiet environment where she could concentrate, Florence also had the ability to relate well with her family and friends. Florence was raised with 6 siblings. She had 4 brothers, Jim, Jack, Frank and Pius and 2 sisters, Theresa and Kathy. Florence was constantly involved in activities with her family. Florence and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up but they deeply cared for each other and shared many life experiences over the years.

      Growing up, Florence was one of those children who didn’t need to be in the center of a whirlwind of activity. She was content to entertain herself. Florence was never pushy when it came to games and other activities, but rather, she was able to enjoy the pure fun these could bring. In just about everything she did as a child, Florence was intent on pleasing both the adults and the other children around her. Florence took part in a number of activities as a child. Florence's memorable achievements included helping out at the family farm, driving the family vehicle at the early age of 14 years.

      Florence enjoyed learning. She always had a great memory and was particularly skilled at retaining factual information. Florence was generally quiet in class, learning best through observation. She often showed great concentration and was competent at completing the tasks at hand. Good with details, Florence was painstaking and accurate in her efforts. All of these talents culminated in a successful high school career. She graduated from Iona High in 1955. Florence enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was Mathematics.

      Florence had a good disposition for the challenges of college. She always enjoyed reading, so all of those lengthy required reading assignments seemed to be less of a burden for her. In fact, Florence seemed to absorb and remember everything she read. Not all things came easily to Florence, however, and she found success by being a diligent and accurate person who would dig into a project and work through until it reached its completion. She was very thorough and labored long and hard in order to reach her goals. She earned her Teachers Degree at Normal College, Truro, NS at the age of 16 years.

      Most folks would say that Florence was shy until they got to know her. Those who were privileged to know her well learned that she was a solid, good friend. Florence was reluctant to generalize about people, and she based her friendships on her personal experiences. Because of this, Florence best trusted those people that she truly knew. She was concerned about how those around her felt, and she always seemed to uncover the positive side of people. She could relate to others and had the ability to see their point of view, to “walk a mile in their shoes,” as the saying goes. The friends that she made, Florence kept. While growing up, some of her best friends were Fay Gillis, Katha MacLean, Lexie MacLean, Helen and Shirley MacLean and Phyllis O'Donnell. Later in life, she became friends with Lexie MacLean and her extended family members.

      Love can’t be defined but must be experienced. That was so true for Florence. On July 19, 1961 Florence married James Walter MacNeil at St. Columba Church of Iona, Nova Scotia. She was totally committed to Walter and maintained traditional ideals about marriage. It was as if Florence naturally sensed her spouse’s needs, and accepted those feelings unconditionally. Although Florence disliked conflict, she did not take flight from discord, but rather sought to preserve harmony even during the most trying times.

      Florence was a good mother to her children. She had “old fashioned” parental values and could handle typical family conflicts in a fair and calm manner. Because she trusted emotions, Florence was reluctant to force issues and used gentle persuasion to resolve situations. In this way she seemed to radiate an aura of warmth and caring to those around her, always thinking before acting. In addition, Florence was a master planner. No matter how hectic life around her might be, she seemed to know and track everyone’s schedule. Florence was blessed with 2 children, Daughter Janice and son, Jim. They were also blessed with Eight Grandchildren, William, Neil Angus, Sarah, Emily, Sheamus, Michael, Calum and Rory.

      If you gave Florence a deadline, she would meet it. At work, Florence was always on task. Without hesitation, Florence could adhere to any assignment and see it through to its completion. Her primary occupation was Elementary Teacher. She was employed for Cape Breton Regional School Board. During that time, Florence excelled in working with small groups in order to complete assignments. She was able to quickly grasp concrete ideas and could organize and plan the best way to accomplish things with remarkable consistency. Florence was good at staying on track and was considerate in listening to what others had to say. In this way, Florence had a true gift for being able to come up with practical resolutions to difficult problems. She was often the team member who managed to put forth a win/win solution for all parties.

      Florence liked to experience things first hand, in addition to simply learning about them. This quality influenced Florence's choice of leisure time activities. A methodical and patient worker, Florence preferred to set aside uninterrupted time to work on her hobbies. Her favorite pursuits was reading. Florence was content to sit quietly alone, enjoying her hobbies all by herself and could often be found just reading about her favorite pastimes.

      An individual who respected and maintained traditional values, her faith was important to Florence. Her compassion, consideration and sympathy toward others was evident in her personal beliefs. She was a member of St. Joseph's for all her adult life. During that time, she was a member of the Catholic Woman's League.

      Anyone who traveled or went on vacation with Florence had smooth sailing. It was often taken for granted that she was the trip planner. She would start early and examine all of the possibilities, selecting the best and most effective options. Favorite vacations included trips to Florida, Toronto and cruise ship extersions wtih her sister Kathy.

      Florence had Scamp, a fox terrier mix, who was her best friend for 16 and a half years. Florence was as loyal to her pets as they were to her.

      When Florence's retirement finally arrived in 1994, she was well prepared. She had taken the time to learn about her various options and chose her course wisely. In retirement, she found new pleasure in reading and spending time at their summer home in Grand Narrows. Even in retirement, Florence continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered her.

      Florence passed away on September 16, 2014 at Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, Nova Scotia. Florence fought for years with pneumonia that damaged her lungs. She is survived by her husband Walter, her children, Janice and Jim, her brother Pius and her 8 grandchildren. Services were held at St. Barra Church, Christmas Island. Florence was laid to rest in St. Barra Cemetery, Christmas Island.

      It is said that some people can’t see the forest for the trees. Florence was able to focus on each individual tree, tending to its needs, thus making the forest stronger as a whole. Florence was a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person, the kind of woman to whom everyone was drawn. She was thorough and practical. Florence MacNeil was very literal with her words. You always knew where you stood with Florence. She will be missed.

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Florence MacNeil

75 – Sydney/Grand Narrows

It is with great sadness the family of Florence Ann (Campbell) MacNeil announces her passing on September 16, 2014.

Born April 4, 1939 in Jamesville, Cape Breton, she was the daughter of the late Neil and Sadie (MacNeil) Campbell.

She graduated from Normal College in Truro in 1956 and began her teaching career in Gillis Point, Cape Breton. She taught at Mira Road School until her retirement in 1994. She loved teaching and cared deeply for the children she taught.

That care was an extension of the warmth and hospitality of her home. Although shy in nature, she opened her doors widely for family, friends and ‘tagalongs’, always having food and respite ready. She insisted on honor, kindness and integrity. She prompted all of us to ‘use our God given gifts’ and to be ever grateful for the abundance of our gifts. Florence was a woman of great faith.

She is survived by her husband of 53 years, J. Walter, her son James ‘Jim’, Grand Narrows and her daughter Janice (Bill) MacGregor, Dartmouth. She was adored by her grandchildren William, N. Angus, Sarah, Emily, Sheumas, Michael, Calum and Rory MacGregor. She is survived by her brother Pius (Pauline) Campbell, Jamesville; her sisters-in-law Patsy (Leonard) Chisholm and Frances (Rod) Campbell and her brother-in-law Lawrence (Mary) MacNeil, Jacksonville, Florida. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews Janet and Neila McCabe, Nancy (Kevin) Neil; Neil (Susan), Francine and John (Kelly) Campbell; Mary Elizabeth (Chris) Kaiser; John, Gerald, Melinda, Patrick (Malia) and Ronald MacNeil; Jane, Frances and Jennifer Chisholm.

She was predeceased by her sisters Kathleen Campbell and Teresa McCabe and her brothers Fr. James Campbell, Jack and Frank (Jacqui) Campbell.

Visitation for the late Mrs. MacNeil will be Thursday 7-9 pm at T.W.Curry Parkview Chapel, resuming in Iona on Friday from 2-4 & 7-9 pm at St. Columba Parish Hall. Funeral mass will be celebrated Saturday at 2 pm in St. Barra Church, Christmas Island with Rev. Paul Abbass officiating. Interment in the parish cemetery.

Donations may be made to the St. Barra Cemetery Fund or a charity of choice. Online condolences may be left by visiting www.twcurry.com