Mary Ethel MacNeill

Mary Ethel MacNeill, age 93, died peacefully at Southbridge Owen Sound on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. She was born on January 20, 1930, in Dunnville, Ontario, the eldest child of John and Mary Alice (Giles) Mitchell. Mary married the love of her life, Donald John MacNeill, on August 16, 1952. Soon after, the young couple moved to the London, Ontario area where they remained until 1981, after which they relocated to Alberta and then Saskatchewan. The couple returned to London from Moose Jaw in 2000. Soon after Don’s death in 2009, Mary moved to Owen Sound where she was thrilled to purchase a condominium in her own name and enjoyed life to the fullest with family and friends.

Mary was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who adored her family and loved spending time with them. An active member of the Eastern Star for many years, she also cherished her times of church fellowship and private devotions. Mary’s children admired her joyful and kind spirit which attracted people to her everywhere she went. Her Christian faith was embodied in her service to others in everything she did, a quality which has inspired her children in their work and personal lives.

Despite facing serious hardships, tragedies, and sorrows throughout her life, Mary persevered with resiliency and courage. Ironically, she took immense pride in the strong work ethic possessed by her children and grandchildren, but when told it was she who had passed this trait on to them, she was humbly surprised. To help support her family, she ran a boarding house for 25 years while also working outside the home. During the 1970s, Mary was a valued member of the GM London custodial staff, often winning awards for her suggestions for ways to improve processes. Her final employment was in the dietary department at the Regency Manor Care Home in Central Butte, Saskatchewan in 1990, and some of her former coworkers still remember her fondly.

Always quick to offer help to others, Mary also knew how to have “tons of fun” in all areas of her life. She had the gift of hospitality, offering a warm welcome and a meal or snack to expected and unexpected guests alike, whether adults or children. She and Don kept a trailer to enjoy in summer where they loved hosting others. After they retired, they spent winters in Mesa, Arizona for 15 years and travelled extensively throughout Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Europe. It thrilled Mary when a VON documentary featured her as a woman living a healthy senior life. As well, a local publication spotlighted her life story in 2010.

Playing games (especially if she was winning), completing puzzles, telling jokes, outings with friends, and reading were her favorite pastimes. Mary also loved music and had a beautiful voice. After she moved to Owen Sound, she joined the Day Away program where she added drawing and painting classes to her interests. She enjoyed crocheting gifts for others as well as for charity and was recognized for funds raised to benefit Flower Pot Island in Lake Huron through the sale of her donated crafts.

Mary lived a wonderful life and will be missed by all who were blessed to have known her. She is survived by her children, Neil (Gillian) MacNeill of Owen Sound, Margaret (Royce) Hoggard of Charlotte, Michigan, and Heather (Laurent) MacNeill-Pennacchio of Regina; grandchildren Andrew Hoggard, Emily (Steven) Schneider, Sarah Weild (Adam Hitchens), Kevin MacNeill (Sarah Healy), Ryan (Allison) Weild, and Rachel MacNeill (Ryan MacDonald); and three great-

grandchildren as well as many cherished nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 57 years, Donald; infant daughters, Elizabeth and Merry; siblings Bill Mitchell, Alice Fearns, and Mabel Cooper; and all of her in-laws, including her beloved mother-in-law, Alma MacNeill, with whom she had a very special bond.

The family wishes to thank the extraordinary care workers of Southbridge Owen Sound and Central Place Retirement Community who treated their mother so well during her final months; and Pastor Keith Sweeting and Judy Sweeting for their kindness, comfort, and prayers. In accordance with Mary’s wishes, she is in the care of Needham Funeral Services, London, with cremation arranged. An in-person and broadcast service will be held in the spring with burial to follow.

Her children have set up a Facebook Group for those wishing to share online memories of Mary and stay informed of plans for her services at www.facebook.com/groups/1287312252037196. Condolences may also be shared at www.NeedhamFuneralHome.com for the MacNeill family. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mary’s memory may be made to the First Baptist Church of Owen Sound (fbcowensound.weebly.com/) or Hope Haven Therapeutic Riding Center (www.hopehavencentre.org/).