It is with great joy that we celebrate a life well lived and with equal sadness we announce the passing of our mother Catherine (MacNeil/MacDougall)MacNeil, known in the Gaelic Community as Catrìona ni'n Iain Ìomhair 'ic Mhìcheil 'an Shaoir June 18th, 2022 in Alderwood Rest home in Baddeck.
Born in Christmas Island, July 24,1926 she was the daughter of the late John Edward MacNeil and Annie (MacSween) MacNeil. The last surviving member of her family she was predeceased by her parents, her brother Ian and an infant brother.
Born at a time when Gaelic was the language of the home and of the community our mother never lost her language despite the school system at that time. She still spoke with the Barra dialect even though 200 years had past since her ancestors came to Cape Breton. She was always generous with her language skills and shared them with many students. Cainnt mo Mhàthair and Stòras a'Bhaile benefited from her love of her language. In 2012 the NS Highland Village honoured her with their Award of Merit.
Devoted to her faith she was a faithful member of St. Barra's Parish and took great comfort in her daily prayers, the Rosary and Daily Mass on TV. For a number of years she was an Eucharistic Minister.
An active community member she belonged to St. Barra's Altar Society, the Ladies Auxiliary of the Fire Department, a lifetime member of Comunn Féis an Eilean and took great pleasure in exhibiting at the Community Fair. She worked as the weekly cleaner at the old St. Barra's Church and later was employed as the local school janitor. Not to be left behind she got her driver's license at the age of 55.
In 1953 she moved half a mile down the road when she married Archie MacDougall (dec. Nov. 1966) and following his death she married Alex (Rory S.) MacNeil (dec. May 1996).
She is survived by daughters Ann Munro (Allison) Eden Lake, Imelda Kelly (Wayne) Grand Narrows, Isabel Steele (Sandy) Bedford and sons Danny Mac Dougall (Marlene) Port Hastings, Edward MacDougall (Lisa) Porter's Lake and James MacNeil (MaryLeigh) Christmas Island. Grandchildren: Steven Munro (Meghan), Jill Flower (Jeff), Colin Steele, Jaclyn Geneau (Jerry), Ian MacDonald (Heloisa), Graham MacDonald (Andrea), Katie MacDougall-Karch (Carver Karch), Justin MacDougall (Aly), Connor MacDougall, Aidan, Cameron and Emma MacNeil. Great grandchildren: Lily & Hailey Munro, Maddison & Mason Flower and Owen Geneau. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive. We would be remiss if we left out her four legged family members Jenny and Bella. She was predeceased by two grandchildren Laura Munro and Christopher MacDonald.
The family would like to extend thanks to Dr. Steven Hall, 4E Northside General staff and the Alderwood staff.
Visitation will be held June 24 10 am -12 noon in St.Barra's Community Centre, Christmas Island followed by Mass of Christian Burial in St. Columba Church Iona at 1 pm. For those unable to attend the Mass will be livestreamed via TW Curry’s Facebook page. Internment to follow in St. Barra's Cemetery. The family requests masks be worn. Family flowers only. Donations to St. Barra's Cemetery or St. Andrew's Cemetery, Boisdale may be made in her memory.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.twcurry.com
gun robh fois sìorraidh aig a h-anam
May her soul rest in eternal peace.
