East Bay
Stephen MacNeil, age 75 beloved husband of Betty (Gillis), passed away peacefully at home on November 10, 2018 after a long illness. Born and raised in Christmas Island, Steve was the son of the late DJ and Rachel MacNeil.
Steve attended St F.X. University where he obtained his BA and BEd. He taught high school in Guysborough High and Riverview Rural High. In 1974 he became a Guidance Counsellor at Malcolm Munroe Jr. High and later MacLennan Jr. High retiring in 1996.
Steve enjoyed many hobbies including reading, gardening, skiing, coaching baseball and spending summer days at Pipers Cove. In more recent years he loved spending time with his grandchildren. He was an active member of St Mary’s Parish in East Bay for many years.
Steve leaves behind his wife, Betty, and three sons, Brent (Amy), Cole Harbour; Darren (Julie), Winnipeg; and Blaine (Lucky), Bedford; five grandchildren, Sam, Arabelle, Maelie, Keaton, and Mairead; sisters, Sr. Rachel MacNeil, CSM, Antigonish and Ambrosa (Norman) MacNeil, Brantford, Ontario; sisters-in-law, Pat MacNeil and Donna MacNeil, Brantford, Ontario and brothers-in-law, Maurice Collin, Brantford, Ontario, and Roddie Townsend, North Sydney.
He was predeceased by brothers, RD, Conrad and Charles (in infancy); sisters Rose Collin and Blanche Townsend.
Many thanks go to the Palliative Care Team including Jill Murphy who provided much comfort to Steve with her Music Therapy, VON, Paramedics, Home Care, Dr. Glenn Gracie, Dr. David King, Dr. Jeanne Ferguson and Fr. Frank Abbass for his attentiveness to his spiritual care. A special thank you goes to his caregiver, Heather Clarke who made it possible for Steve to remain at home throughout his illness.
Visitation will take place 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, November 14 at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel . A funeral mass will be celebrated at 1 p.m. on Thursday, November 15 at St. Mary’s Church, East Bay with Father Frank Abbass officiating.
Donations in memory of Steve may be made to Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton, Parkinson’s Canada, St. Mary’s Parish Cemetery Fund or to a charity of choice.
Words of comfort may be sent to Steve’s family by visiting www.twcurry.com
