Francis MacNeil

With heavy hearts we said farewell to Francis MacNeil on December 27th at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. He departed peacefully surrounded by his family. Francis was born May 3rd 1931 in Hay Cove, Richmond County to Michael D. and Elizabeth (MacLean) MacNeil.

He leaves his True Love, Ann (Owens) after 62 years of marriage and children Katherine, David (Martha), Cheryl Wolodka, Robert, Nadine Brenton (George), foster son Robert Brace (Wilma), Daughter-in-law Sharon (Ronnie deceased) and son–in-law Alex Mugridge. Papa will be missed by all his grandchildren Daniel &.Pamela Wolodka, Crystal, Lindsey & Nathaniel Mugridge, Charlie, Siobhan & Barbara-Jean MacNeil, Jennifer & Lynn MacNeil; Craig, Kirk, Kyle & Michelle Brace, as well as his great-grandchildren Jamey, Jessica, Kent & Jacob, Madison, Kayla & Chase, Anika, Ava, Abbey, Brianna & Brooke, Ashlynn & Paige, and Jake.

He is also survived by in-laws Billy Owens (Eva), Elaine MacNeil (Martin deceased), Michael Owens (Joan), Margie Doary (Roddie), Ethel Landry (Dave) Gert Malcolm (George), Gregory Owens, Joyce McMillan, Paul Owens (Theresa), Marlene Levesconte (Roy), Pat MacNeil (Michael deceased) and many nieces and nephews on both sides of the family including Pauline, Betty & Jack MacNeil and Gail Harold and Charlie MacKinnon.

He was predeceased by sons Daniel and Ronald, his siblings Kay, Mary, Dan, John, Bill, Michael & Paul

Francis worked many years operating heavy equipment both in Cape Breton and Alberta and retired in Marion Bridge in where he and Ann became fixtures in the community. When he retired he proved himself an excellent cook and baker of his famous “War Cake” as well as peanut butter cookies which made him popular with many friends of his grandchildren. He loved all animals and was well known for his involvement in the horse racing community as an early ‘horse whisperer”. He was a renowned story teller and loved old Gaelic songs and Cape Breton fiddle music as well as a good joke.

In later years Francis had several health issues which slowed him down. The family wants to thank all the excellent caregivers from Cape Breton Home Care, VON and the staff of ECU and ICU at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. There will be no visitation or burial. A funeral Service will take place at Sacred Heart Church in Marion Bridge on Saturday, January 2nd at 1 p.m. celebrated by Fr. Paul McGilllivary. A reception will follow at the Mira Seniors Center. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to-the Marion Bridge Sacred Heart Parish Building Fund or charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.twcurry.com