Katherine Veronica MacNeil

97 – Sydney

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Katherine Veronica MacNeil on May 15, 2012 at MacGillivary Guest Home, Sydney.

At six weeks of age, Katherine became the precious and adored daughter of Alexander J.C. and Katherine (MacKinnon) MacNeil and beloved sister to Mary Florence MacNeil. Those early years at north end George Street forged her character and instilled her with the values that she practiced her whole life. Katherine had a deep and abiding faith that saw her walking to daily mass, weather permitting, into her late eighties. She was a member of Sacred Heart parish for ninety seven years, eighteen years as a choir member, singing at military masses prior to soldiers going overseas. She sang at over four hundred weddings. Katherine joined the Catholic Women’s League in September 1956 receiving her fifty year pin in 2006. She believed in the power of prayer and had a strong devotion to St. Anthony. In 2005 the candle stand and sacristy in Sacred Heart Church were commissioned in memory of her Poppa and Momma and her sister Mary Florence.

Katherine received her first kitten when she was three and followed in her father’s tradition; taking in many strays and lost animals over the years. Each one surely thought that Katherine was their own angel. She was one of the founding member of the SPCA in Sydney and devoted hundreds of hours volunteering to make a difference for homeless animals.

Katherine graduated from Holy Angels Convent and was an alumni member. In 1939 she graduated from the Empire Business College. Her first job was with Arthur MacDonald, a general insurance agent, then with Stewart MacDonald at Sydney Motors. She was employed with Mutual Life of Canada before spending thirty-two years with the Federal Government Taxation department, retiring in 1980. Katherine had a strong work ethic holding herself to high standards and expecting the same from those she supervised.

Katherine continued her volunteer work by using her knowledge preparing income taxes for 20 years following retirement. A source of pride was volunteering at MacGillivary Guest Home for bingo, bridge and to feed residents who needed assistance. She was a proud member of Clan MacNeil, attending meetings and functions and concerts. She loved to travel, bus trips across Canada, Japan or even an afternoon drive out into the country. Katherine maintained and cherished her strong family ties to Iona, Jamesville and Grand Narrows. Katherine’s love of people, generosity and kindness were ever present. Students who boarded with Katherine while attending Xavier College experienced this first hand. After changing her home into apartments, most of her tenants became like family members. Katherine was always ready for a giggle, a bit of fun; loved to attend family gatherings whether weddings, christenings or holiday dinners. She had a sharp mind and an even sharper wit. Katherine could ‘discuss’ politics with the best of them. Her absence will be sadly missed by her MacNeil and Campbell relatives.

Katherine was predeceased by her parents Alexander J.C. and Katherine (MacKinnon) MacNeil and sister Mary Florence; her biological parents Joseph and Katherine (MacKinnon) MacNeil; six brothers John Archibald, Edward J,, Donald James, Robert Leo, Alexander Kay and David; 4 sisters Mary Elizabeth ‘Marie’ MacNeil, Sadie Thompson, Cecelia and Dorothy.

She is survived by sisters Margaret ‘Peggy’ Donaldson, Ann Landry, Joan Cunningham and brother Patrick MacNeil.

Visitation form Katherine MacNeil will be held from 2-4 & 7-9 pm at T.W.Curry Parkview Chapel on Friday, May 18. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday at 10 am at Sacred Heart Church with Rev. Anthony O’Connor officiating. Interment in Holy Cross Cemetery.

Donations in Katherine’s memory may be given to MacGillivary Guest Home. Online condolences to www.twcurry.com

It is with profound gratitude we wish to express our deepest thanks to the staff of MacGillivary Guest Home for the constant care, compassion and many acts of kindness to Katherine over her eight years with you. To Fr. Rankin, Sister Hazel, Colleen, Margaret, Stacey and the many staff who lovingly cared for Katherine; no words can ever fully describe our appreciation. May God bless each and everyone of you.

There was a sweet and gentle soul,

with an amazing smile.

She touched the hearts of all she knew;

she blessed us for a while.

So full of life and joy and peace,

so kind to everyone;

My heart is torn clean from my chest,

to know that she is gone.

I know she would not have us dwell,

on this dark time and place;

Instead remember that sweet smile,

on her most loving face.

-The world will forever be less beautiful.