Obituary of Lee Mc Neil

MARY 'Lee' MCNEIL, 61 GLACE BAY It is with a profound sense of loss, that we announce the sudden and untimely passing of Mary 'Lee' McNeil of Glace Bay. Lee passed on Friday, November 6, 2020 at her home on Crosby Street in Bridgeport at the age of 61. Lee was a loving, sister, aunt, niece and friend. Lee was one of a kind, loving, caring and a humorous lady that had an infectious smile and laugh. Born in Glace Bay, Lee was the daughter of the late Judy (Donovan) and Leo McNeil. Lee is survived by brothers, Allie (Bonnie), Tony, Blair (Helen) and Paul. Lee is also survived by her special Uncle Andrew (Isabel) and especially by her pet and best friend “Chance”;as well as many nieces and nephews, cousins and by an extremely large circle of friends. The Town of Glace Bay is mourning the loss of a community leader; who was, according to her numerous friends, a voice of reason, An Angel on Earth, a pillar in our town, a giant personality and of course a “Knuckle ball” that was as legendary as her individuality. Lee’s life revolved around love; her love of family, her love of friends, her love of sports, her love of the Montreal Canadiens and was even selected TWICE as the “Fan of the Game” at the Bell Centre in Montreal. She always loved and truly looked forward to her many telephone conversations with Montreal Canadien Legend Jean Beliveau and his lovely wife Elise. In past several years, Lee took up and excelled at the game of golf. Lee loved to sing and was well known for her rendition of the “House of the Rising Sun” and her favourite brew...........as everyone knew.........A Cold Olands. Lee’s true passion was playing baseball for over 40 years and especially the past several years playing with her baseball family.......THE MIZFITS. Lee represented Canada in many sports such as baseball, broomball and was duly recognized and ranked 4th in Canada in the sport of darts. Lee was inducted into the Glace Bay Sports Hall of Fame. Lee proudly served two terms as Councillor of District 3 in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. Lee was a selfless and devoted volunteer in every sense of the word. Lee was a supporter and advocate of Christmas Daddies and raised thousands of dollars over the years. Lee hosted hundreds of benefit dances helping needy families in Glace Bay and surrounding areas. Lee worked as a bartender at several bars and was a DJ and served as President of the Radio Club for many years. Lee was predeceased by her parents, Judy (Donovan) and Leo McNeil;brother Billy, sister, Catherine in infancy, sisters-in-law Debbie and Sandra and grandmother Theresa (Turnbull) Donovan. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of T.J. Tracey Funeral Home, 370 Reserve Street, Glace Bay, (902) 849-4199. Visitation for Lee will take place on Thursday, November 12, 2020 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 13, 2020 at the Immaculate Church in Bridgeport with Fr. Daniel Boudreau officiating. Interment to follow. Memorial donations may be made in Lee’s memory to Cape Breton Christmas Daddies. Due to covid-19 restrictions seating is limited; social distancing and masks are mandatory. Online condolences to the family can be expressed at www.tjtracey.com ‘YOU WERE A FRIEND TO MANY” THANKS FOR ALL YOU DID!!!!! ‘GO HABS GO”