Josephine MacNeil

Josephine was born on April 3, 1950, in Glace Bay, to Cecilia (nee Ryan) MacNeil and Joseph “Joe Johnnie” MacNeil. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by an infant sister and her brother John Edward.

After graduating from Holy Angels High School, Josephine worked at the Cape Breton Hospital for four years. Following this, for many years she delivered the mail to Northside East Bay and Eskasoni. She retired from Walmart, having worked there (and Woolco previously) for about 30 years. As Customer Service Manager, she was famous for her yearly store announcement, “Have a safe and happy New Year. Thank you for shopping at Zellers!” She had a lively sense of humour and loved to laugh.

Josephine was a lifelong and proud Big Ponder and a vital supporter of the community, volunteering at concerts and dances and breakfasts and promoting the same on her widely-read Facebook posts. Entering the Big Pond Fire Hall will not be the same without Josephine at the door.

Josephine will be fondly remembered and missed by anyone who ever played cards with or against her, especially her long-time tarabish partners, Sandy and cousin Brother; heard her yell “Bingo” when she won an even-split draw; chatted with her at Big Pond beach; boarded with her as an international student, as did Harry, with whom she was still in contact; had their mail or fruit basket delivered by her, along with a joke and a laugh; or received a birthday greeting “from downtown Big Pond” or the reply, “That’s none of your Joe Jesus business,” having asked her how she was.

Josephine loved her house that was built by her father, which she shared with her SPCA rescue cat, Saucy, and took pride in its doll house-like order and pristine yard. Her happy place was Big Pond Beach, where she could spend hours every day, swimming, and chatting, and listening to the waves. Summer was her season and Homecoming Week a highlight, with trivia on the Brookers’ team, the dances, and pastoral airs – she loved church, and she loved music. She looked forward every year to her Christmases in Hamilton with her “baby girl” Laurie.

Josephine is survived by her daughter, Laurie (partner Joe Hayes); her many cousins, especially her life-long friend Rose, Genevieve, and Jackie, whom she saw every week, if not day, of her life; and her many friends, particularly Lita, Patsy, Joan, and Melvin. Laurie would like to thank everyone who helped her mother in the last few years: cousin Francis MacDow, Patsy Macdonald, and Mary MacInnis for the many drives to appointments; Bruce. John and Aileen for shovelling her driveway; Ian and Pat, Laura and George, cousin Danny and all others who checked up on her in the winter; and especially cousin Donnie for the many things he did for her over the years.

A funeral and celebration of Josephine's life will be held at St. Mary's Parish in Big Pond, NS at 1:00 pm with Fr. Antolin Asor and Fr. Everette McDow officiating. Burial to follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Big Pond.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.twcurry.com.