It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Maurina MacNeil (Bates) 85, of Levattes Lane, Harbourstone Enhanced Care, Sydney, after a lengthy illness with Alzheimer’s and Dementia on May 20th 2021. Her family was by her side in her final hours.
Maurina was born in Sydney and was predeceased by her parents Gerald Bates & Margaret (Charles Kublek), two sisters Theresa (George Close), Mellie (Sonny Plichie) and three brothers, Gerald, Joey and Tommy. Left to mourn are her sisters Ann (Ron Patterson), Mary (Eldon Smith), Rosalie (Al Moores), Rita (Jim Rudderham) and her brothers Kevin (Anne) & Frankie (Adele). She is also survived by her husband John to whom she has been married for 64 wonderful years, her 5 children, Rosemarie (Thomas) Dormon, Hastings, ON, Derrick (Trish) Middle Sackville, NS, Owen (Denise) Riverview, NB, Gerald (Sandra) Dartmouth, NS and Karen (Gary) Lewis, of Howie Centre, NS, 12 grandchildren, Adrian Dormon, Rachel Dormon, Marie Morrison, Angela MacNeil, Amanda Rattie, Ryan MacNeil, Brandon MacNeil, Shea MacNeil, Corey MacNeil, Nicole MacNeil, Jeffrey Lewis and Allyson Graham and 15 great grandchildren.
Maurina travelled with John living in Montreal, Saint John, Fredericton, Rothesay and finally came back to Cape Breton in 1974. She had an active career in retail which led to her and John opening their own store in Sydney River. MacNeil’s Variety was operated by Maurina for several years and at the same time she raised 5 teenagers. Their store became the community gathering area and Maurina knew everyone and what they were up to. She knew the business scoop and the teenagers slang and used each with respect at all times. Many of those teenagers and customers called her “Mom” … Tanks Ma bye!
On retirement from the store in 1979 Maurina moved to Howie Centre for 10 years and then to Northside East Bay for 26 years enjoying life on the water until moving back to Howie Centre in 2012.
She was a very active member in the CWL, TOPs and served as the Eucharistic Minister at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Sydney River, St Mary’s church in East Bay, and St. Rose of Lima in North Side East Bay. Maurina enjoyed her down time over the years being with the family and many years of camping throughout Atlantic Canada. In later years, Maurina and John enjoyed golfing, skating and wintering in Florida.
She will be dearly missed as a loving Wife, Mom, Nanny, Great Nanny and a great friend to many!
Flowers - Donations may be directed to Alzheimer’s Society, Canadian Cancer Society, or a charity of one’s own choice.
Grief is like the ocean, ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim. In life, we loved you dearly, in death we love you still. In our hearts you hold a place, no one else will ever fill. Rest in peace Mom.
Cremation has taken place. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, September 4 at 10:00am at Our Lady of Fatima, Sydney River with Fr. Patrick O'Neill officiating. Memories and condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.twcurry.com
