Sadie MacNeil

(written by Jay McNeil, nephew)

Trying to talk about Sadie and how she lived her life is proving to be an impossible task. There have been dozens of beautiful tributes written and the words ring true to those of us who knew her because they remind us of our experiences with her. She was joyful. She was quick with a smile. Her laugh was her signature. She was strong and had great courage. She was many, many things. Still, those words never seem enough to really share Sadie with those who weren’t lucky enough to know her in life.

Have you ever stood around Tim Horton’s the morning after The Action Week fireworks? It’s the same struggle. Listening to people trying to describe the show to those who missed it does it no justice. Sadie was fireworks. An awesome spectacle to experience, colorful, unexpected – filled with surprise and wonder – and you had to witness it to really understand how spectacular it was to see. Each burst and pop rang in your heart, and you planted your feet firmly on the ground because just being that close to something that big could move you.

I was on vacation when Sadie died – and Holly and I didn’t come right home when my brother called to say Sadie was gone. She died Sunday. The service wasn’t until Friday and we didn’t make the Ontario trip to do the tourist circuit. We were actually heading two hours outside of Ottawa to meet up with Holly’s sister, her husband, and their three month old son.

In the days following Sadie’s death I got to watch Holly do everything with her nephew that Sadie would have done with me back in 1982. The laughs. The smiles. The giggles. The messes. The spontaneous, hilarious moments that form the bond that will last a lifetime. Watching a child show their first signs of personality, and how they discover the control they have over their coos and screams, their hands and feet, and in short time – the incredible control they have over the rest of us the minute they claim a spot in our hearts.

Ma’s family was made up of six girls and a boy. My grandfather died in 1983 when I was one. My grandmother died in 1997 when I was 14. Together, with my own parents, those people raised me, my brother, and my cousins by committee. I took it for granted when I was younger. I thought it was what every family was like. That’s just not true. One of the best gifts of growing up and knowing them now as adults is looking back with love on everything they did with us and for us that they really didn’t have to. They engaged with us, they gave us their time, and they helped shape us. They still do.

So, it mattered to me that Holly got to spend this time we had planned with her nephew, and that he got to have that time with her as well. Plus, it’s hard to be sad with a baby in your arms so I thought it would help me too. I wasn’t wrong.

There is a wonderful way we look at a baby, holding their heart in our eyes, finding a wordless way to let to let them know they’ll never be alone in this world as long as there’s breath in us. That’s how Holly looks at her nephew. That’s how Sadie looked at me my whole life and despite my incredible family and amazing friends - I’ve felt a little more alone from the moment we lost her. It’s what made her an incredible Aunt, and a remarkable woman.

Sadie was fireworks and like a crowd walking back to their cars at the end of the show, we’re all left happy for having seen it but slightly disappointed the show had to end so soon. When something burns that bright and beautiful, it never burns as along as we’d want. So I find myself staring off into the clear dark sky, waiting for one final burst – grinning from ear to ear for the show she gave us but not yet ready to believe she’s gone when the final echo fades into the night.

* * * * * * * * * *

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Sarah “Sadie” MacNeil on Sunday April 17, 2016 with family and friends by her side.

Sadie was a truly remarkable woman. She was a proud fourteen year breast cancer survivor who loved life. She faced her illness with fierce courage and determination but truly believed that laughter and a positive attitude was her best medicine and never hesitated to share this wisdom with , others . Everyone knew when Sadie was in the building as laughter could be heard in the hall ways, offices and treatment areas.

Sadie worked for the Horizon Achievement Centre for more than twenty years primarily at the Kiosk. She was a frequent volunteer at Centre events and at one time coached Special Olympics floor hockey and baseball. She was an avid fastball player and a proud member of the Sydney ladies panthers. She also played at the eastern Canadian and Canadian national fastball championship where she was selected 1st base all star. The most important thing in Sadie's life was her family and friends. She loved walking on the beach, taking pictures, sketching and taking care of stray animals.

Sadie was the daughter of the late John and Theresa (Farrell) MacNeil. She is survived by her best friend and partner of twenty nine years Carol Pendergast, brother Neil, sisters Mary McNeil, Kathleen (Dougie) MacLean, Joanne (George Howard), Theresa (Kenny MacKenzie) and Franklyn (Glenn) Wadden, nephews and nieces John and Jason , Douglas, Krystal, Daniel, Nicole and Brittany. She is also survived by her extended family Vera Pendergast, Mary (Mike) Keating, Rose (Donnie) Courage, Wayne (Joanne) Pendergast , Alan (Karie) Pendergast and the love of her life Angel and Zax. She was pre deceased by her brother in law Jimmy McNeil, close family friend Desmond Pendergast, grandparents John Joe and Sadie Farrell and Frank and Mary Ann MacNeil.

There will be no visitation for Sadie.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, April 22 at 2:00 pm at St. Theresa's Church, Rev. D. Lamey officiating. A celebration of Life will follow the service at the Horizon Achievement Centre. Interment will take place at Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks.

The family would like to express their deepest appreciation and gratitude to all the people who supported Sadie throughout this journey. Donations can be made to the Horizon Achievement Centre Building Fund. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.twcurry.com