Obituary of Catherine Ann McNeil

Catherine Ann McNeil Obituary Catherine Ann McNeil 67, North Sydney It is with heavy hearts, and fond memories, we the family announce the passing of our dear mother, sister and grandmother, Catherine; on Friday, Dec. 09, 2022, at her home in North Sydney. She was world-renowned for not holding back her opinion and a knack for telling it like it is. Her extensive vocabulary was more than highly proficient at knowing more curse words than most people learned in a lifetime. Everyone always knew where you stood with her. She liked you or she didn’t, it was black or white. As her children we are still trying to figure out which one it was for us (of course we know she loved us). This is written this way because she would have wanted it that way. Cathy seldom took things seriously and always wanted to make people laugh. Well, we hope you just did, and she is probably laughing at your reaction right now. Please take moment in the next few seconds to reflect on a funny memory you experienced with her. This is how she would love to be remembered. On the flip side Cathy had quick wit, love for her family and genuine concern for everyone around her. Catherine would often do without to ensure she provided or helped someone in need. A true creative and passionate individual, in her earlier years, Catherine could have been a professional seamstress or baker, often making clothes for family members, baking wedding cakes or hundreds of sweets for holiday events. Her favorite time of year was Christmas. For her children she was a member of every sports club, social club, travel club and organization they were part of, mastering the art of fundraising for youth events. If there was a work or social event, she helped planned it, put massive amounts of personal time into it and loved every second along the way. Catherine worked for 30+ years at Breton Ability Centre (formally Braemore Home) helping create and manage programs for client’s rehabilitation needs. Left to mourn Catherine are her sons, Daniel (Monica), Michael (Jeanette); and her grandson Allister who was the light of her life. Born in Sydney, she was the daughter of the late Harold and Theresa Stevens (Vardy, Petitpas). She was predeceased by her sister Joanne and brother, Harold Stevens, both in infancy. Also left to mourn Catherine, her living siblings, Donna Hansen (Allan), George Stevens (Susan) and Terry Stevens, her very close Uncle Lorway Vardy (Margie), nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, her best little fur buddy, Benji and Wayne Fudge, a near and dear friend very close to her heart. We the family would like to thank the many care givers that have helped her along the way. You made her daily life have new meaning while giving her the independence to stay at home until her final breath. For this we are eternally grateful. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you pick up a toy this Christmas and please donate it to a family or holiday organization in need. Christmas was Cathy’s favorite time of year, and she believed that no child should wake up on Christmas morning without something under the Christmas tree. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 6 Churchill Drive, Sydney, 902-539-7175. A visitation will take place at on Sunday, July 30 from 12-2pm in T.J. Tracey Funeral Hone followed by a Celebration of Life immediately after in the chapel, officiated by Rev. Sheldon Chant. There will be a reception following. For those unable to attend, livestreaming will be available at https://www.youtube.com/@LifelineStreaming. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.