Obituary of Mary Isabelle McNeil

With heavy hearts and immense love, we announce the passing of Mary ‘Sis’ Isabelle (MacLeod) McNeil on October 16, 2023, at Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Born on April 25, 1930, in Grand Lake, Mary was the eldest daughter of the late Malcolm and Mary Ann (Doolan) MacLeod. She leaves behind a profound legacy of love, care, and a vast, interconnected family. Mary’s life journey began on the family farm, alongside her grandmother, parents, and siblings and then to their family home on Doolan’s Lane. Later in life, she embarked on a new chapter when she married Greg McNeil. After a decade in Grand Lake, they made their home, with their girls, in the train station in Little Bras d’Or until Greg's passing in 1975. Following Dad’s passing, Mom returned to Doolan’s Lane, setting up her home near her mother and sister to raise her family. Mary’s family was the cornerstone of her existence. She was passionate about spending time with her family, always looking forward to outings, family visits and celebrations, and eagerly seeking news about the lives of her loved ones. Her home was a gathering spot for those she held dear. She is survived by her sister, and best friend, Florence MacLeod; seven daughters, Mary (Graham) Passerini, Sharon (Larry) MacLeod, Donna (Graham) Lewis, Debby (Jamie) McNeil, Ruth (Greg) Cunningham, Florence (Kevin) MacArthur, and Murdeena (Perry) Moore, plus a special nephew and godson Terry (Lynette) MacLeod; sixteen grandchildren, Christopher, Jennifer, Melissa, Alexander, Johnathan, Gregory, Jeffrey, Jocelyn, Cheryl Lynne, Charles, Kyle, Janice, Michael, Jared, Mary Ann, and Maggie. Her legacy extends even further with 20 great-grandchildren; Brendan, Connor, Thomas, Samuel, Edie, Elora, Pearl, Theodore, Xander, Taya, Deja, Amari, Anna, Henry, Owen, Haven, Delphine, Carson, William, and Robin. Her first great-great-grandchild is expected in February. Also surviving are brothers-in law, Bernie MacLean, Duncan MacLean, sister-in-law, Eva MacLeod, and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband Greg McNeil; brothers Murray, Cletus, Danny, and Malcolm; sister-in-law Cathy, and granddaughter Erin. The family extends their gratitude to Chris Rose, Manager, and staff of 4B, the Hospitalist Team, and the An Cala Palliative Care Team at Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Special thanks to Cape Breton County Homemakers, and Michelle Sampson and Marie Murray who lovingly supported the family with her care for these past few months. Mary was a longtime member of Saint Augustine’s Parish, Grand Lake Road, and Saint Theresa’s Parish, Sydney, and most recently, a member of Holy Rosary Parish, Westmount. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 6 Churchill Drive, Sydney, 902-539-7175. Visitation will take place in the funeral home on Friday, November 10, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel, Fr. Doug Murphy officiating. For those unable to attend, the funeral service will be livestreamed at T.J. Tracey Facebook page. Private family interment will take place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Little Bras d’Or. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mary’s memory to the Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton. Words of condolence may be made to the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com