With hearts full of love and sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved mother on October 14,2025. Mother grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother and cherished matriarch, Merrilyn Jones, who left this world peacefully at the age of 95.

Born in 1930 at Mansfield Massachusetts to Florence (Keenan) and Roderick MacNeil. Merrilyn made her journey at the age of two to return to the birthplace of her father, Big Pond. She resided there with her family until the time she married.

Merrilyn lived a life of extraordinary devotion, humor, and strength. She was the proud mother of 19 children—Roddie (Carol), Diane (Doug), Ralph (Rita), Margie (Dennis), Charlie, Stanley, Joey, Beverly, Bobby (Linda), Donald (Brenda), Wayne, Donna (Jim), Florence(Abel), Denise (Jim), Sheldon (Angela), Darryl(Vanessa)and Darlene (Todd).

She was predeceased by her sons John Bonniface and Michael, granddaughter Merrilyn Nicole Parago ,her partner Kenny Fougere, and the father of her children, Joseph Jones. She was also predeceased by her parents Roderick and Florence(Keenan) brother Donald, sister Catherine, and son-in-law (who loved her and whom she loved), Bob Leudy. Her sister Florence will miss her dearly, along with her 46 grandchildren, 64 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren. As well as nieces and nephews and extended family who were blessed to know her.

Merrilyn worked hard all her life in and out of her home; never asking for much, but giving everything she had. Her strength was quiet but fierce, and her love for her family was limitless. She made every child feel special (she had no favourites) every guest feel welcome, and every day a little brighter.

She was funny—truly, joyfully funny. Merrilyn loved to laugh, and her laughter was a gift she shared freely. Her wit was quick, her stories unforgettable, and her signature farewell—“Cheerio!”—was a cheerful send-off that perfectly captured her playful spirit.

Her heart was vast and kind, welcoming everyone with warmth and compassion. She gave love freely and fiercely, and her legacy is one of generosity, humor, and unwavering.

Though we mourn her passing, we celebrate the extraordinary woman she was and the love she leaves behind.

We would like to thank the Villa for the care, love and support mom received over the years.

Special heartfelt thank you to St. Martha’s Hospital in Antigonish for the care she received in her remaining days.

Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 6 Churchill Drive, Sydney, NS, 902-539-7175. Funeral mass will be held on Monday, October 20, 11 am, in St. Mary’s Parish, Big Pond, Fr. Antolin officiating, interment and luncheon to follow. For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed and may be viewed by visiting the T.J. Tracey Facebook page.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.

Cheerio, Mom. Your laughter echoes in our hearts, and your love lives on in all of us.