Mary 'Lennie' Leonard MacNeil

93, East Bay

Sadness fills our hearts as we regretfully announce the passing of our dear mother, grandmother and great-grandmother Mary Leonard (Lennie) MacNeil of East Bay on Friday, June 28, 2013 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital after a brief illness.

Born in Codroy Valley, NL, in 1920 she was the daughter of the late Michael W. Downey and Margaret (nee) Hynes.

She is survived by her children and their spouses: Michael (Rosemary), Toronto, Sandy (Shirley), Harry, Jimmy (Shirley) and Carolyn (Gerard Robertson); sister, Loretta, St. John’s, NL; daughter in law, Anne MacNeil; grandchildren: Colleen, Brian, Shauna, Erin, Heather, Robbie, Leona, Jason, Lisa, Martin, Carrie, Jan, and her 15 great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

Lennie was predeceased by her beloved husband Blaise; and her son, Martin; sisters, Rachel, Josephine, Dorthea, Edna; brothers, Leo H and Primo; great granddaughter, Madelyn and great grandson, Jasper.

Lennie was a member of St. Mary’s Church, East Bay and the Catholic Women’s League for almost fifty years. Lennie will be fondly remembered for her love of family, nature, reading, and puzzles.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses, who cared for Lennie at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital during her brief illness. The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Carolyn’s co-workers on 4B who went above and beyond the call of duty to show support to the family during this very difficult time.

Family flowers only.

Donations may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Kidney Foundation, St. Mary’s East Bay Church Building Fund or Cemetery Fund or the charity of your choice.

Visitation will be held 6-9 p.m. on Sunday, June 30 at T. W. Curry Parkview Chapel, Sydney. Funeral mass will be held 11 a.m. on Monday, July 1 at St. Mary’s Church, East Bay with Fr. Frank Abbass officiating. Interment will take place immediately following the service at St. Mary’s Parish Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.twcurry.com.