Sister Catherine Elizabeth MacNeil

(Sister St. Catherine Maureen)

Sydney

Sister Catherine MacNeil, 90, died peacefully on December 17, 2013, at the CND Health Care Centre in Sydney.

Born in Sydney, she was the daughter of the late John J. MacNeil and Margaret Jane MacLean. Besides her parents, Sister Catherine was predeceased by her brothers Neil, Hector, John, Steve, Fr. Frank, Hector ‘Bookie’ and sisters Mae, Anna, Josephine, Margaret, Christina Anna and Mary Margaret. She was the last surviving member of her family.

She is survived by a brother-in-law Joseph Campbell, Cornwall, ON and sisters-in-law Audrey MacNeil, Montreal and Joan MacNeil, Sydney, also many nieces and nephews and their families.

Sister Catherine made her religious profession in the Congregation of Notre Dame on August 23, 1944. She will be fondly remembered by her sisters, family and friends, as a woman of deep faith and prayer who manifested genuine warmth, as well as compassion and a deep respect for the dignity of each person and an ability to affirm others. She possessed a keen intellect and shared this giftedness with others. Her accomplishments were many. Her teaching career spanned twenty-nine years. These years of teaching were interrupted only for study which earned her a Bachelor of Science degree and a Masters in Science and a Doctorate in Education. She was a specialist in nutrition. At the St. Francis Xavier University she was chairperson and Professor in the Department of Home Economics. During this time, she was also for ten years, Professor of Nutrition at the Coady International Institute. She was called upon to represent the Coady at the Second International Congress in Puerto Rico and in carrying out this assignment made a first-hand study of nutrition problems in Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras. She was a Fellow of the Royal Society of Health.

While at St. Francis Xavier University, Sister Catherine served eight years on the Board of Governors. She enjoyed the distinction of having been the first woman to be elected to the Executive of that Board. The Student Council at St. F.X. , wishing to give a lasting recognition to Sister’s contribution, established the Sister Catherine MacNeil Award. This award is presented annually to the most outstanding woman in the freshman class. Sister Catherine was also the recipient of an Honorary Degree from St. Thomas University, Fredericton and St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish.

She served as Principal and superior of Mount St. Bernard College in Antigonish. She then served as Provincial Superior in the Maritimes. Her outstanding leadership qualities resulted in her appointment to the General Council Administration of the Congregation of Notre Dame in Montreal. She responded capably and generously. She will be greatly missed by her sisters, her family and friends for her generous spirit, her friendship, her many kindnesses and her warm smile.

Visitation for Sister Catherine will take place at T.W.Curry Parkview Chapel on Thursday from 2-4 & 7-9 pm. Mass of Christian burial will take place on Friday at 2 pm at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Parish (St. Joseph Church). Interment in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks.

Online condolences to www. twcurry.com