Phyllis Marie MacNeil, 81

Glace Bay, N.S.

It is with broken hearts that we, the family, announce the peaceful passing of our loving “Ma” at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital on Sunday, May 18th. Born in 1943 to the late Lawrence and Leona (O’Brien).

Phyllis grew up in The Hub and spent her early years as a homemaker, raising her four children. She often said she grew up right alongside her kids. Ma was a lifelong member of the Sergeant’s Mess and enjoyed playing darts with the ladies’ league at the Sandbar. If she wasn’t there, you could likely find her out with her dabbers for a night at bingo. Ma also enjoyed camping in the summer, sitting around a fire with her family, surrounded by love was when she was at her happiest.

Above all else, our Ma was a proud mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She beamed with pride and adoration for each and every one of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Ma was always the first one to call when there was news to share, and she was the glue that held everyone together. She was there for everything—birthdays, weddings, graduations, babies, and all the moments in between. Her door was always open for a sit and a chat, and she loved capturing pictures to cherish memories forever. She especially enjoyed her daily visits with her daughter Cathy and son-in-law Scott.

Phyllis is survived by her loving partner of 17 years, Wayne, whom she affectionately called “Hun.” Their bond was special; they looked after one another with love and care; she also leaves behind her adoring children: Johnnie (Patsy), David (Donna), Cathy (Scott), and Derrick (Pauline); her cherished grandchildren: Chris (Jill), Tara (Devon), Alicia (Kyle), Matt (Lindsay), Jess (Colton), and Mason (Jenna), and Kaleb; and her beloved great-grandchildren: Brooklyn, Carsyn, Makail, Jordyn, Harper, Bryson, Ellie-Kate, Hayden, Kai, Maddox and Sadie.

Phyllis is also survived by her siblings: Betty, Mary, Margie (Ron), Rick (Luz), Hector, (Donna) Mike, and Rita; many nieces and nephews whom she loved deeply; and by Wayne’s children, who she loved like her own, Dorothy (Jay) Kathy (Chris) Kim (Raymond) Wayne, and Tommy and grandchildren, Jen, Jess, Christopher, Matthew, April, Tasha, Tiffany, Jeremy, and Dawson, who lovingly referred to her as their “bonus grandmother.”

Along side her parents, Phyllis was predeceased by her husband Freddie; siblings Josie, Ernie, Frankie, and her beloved “sissy” Julie, who was her “whole world;” great-grandson Ashton; brothers-in-law Bob and Eddie; and sisters-in-law Brenda and Dorothy (Dot).

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff in the Intensive Care Unit, who provided Ma with the comfort and care she so deserved.

“So, build my mansion next door to Jesus and tell the angels I’m coming home.”

Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, Glace Bay. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 23, 2025, from 11-1 p.m., and a Celebration of Life to follow at 1 p.m., with Fr. Danny Boudreau presiding, all in Tracey’s Funeral Home, 370 Reserve St., Glace Bay, N.S. 902-849-4199.

Words of comfort may be expressed to Phyllis’ family by visiting our website: www.tjtracey.com.