ALLENA MARY PHILLIPS

Funeral service for the late Allena Mary Phillips (MacNeil), 100, Margaree Centre, Cape Breton, was held July 13 in St. Patrick’s Church, with Father MacDonald Ibeh officiating. Burial was in the Congregational Cemetery, Margaree Centre.

Mrs. Phillips died July 6, 2019, at the QEII Halifax Infirmary.

Born Dec. 15, 1918, in Dunvagan, Cape Breton, she was the daughter of the late John Alexander MacNeil, St. Rose, and Jessie Anne (MacDonald), Glencoe. She was a long-time resident of Margaree Centre, where she and her husband, John Joseph Phillips, made the most out of living off the land and started a family; one that continues to grow. She was one in a million. She was selfless, modest, relaxed and unassuming. She loved life, no matter how hard it got. She saw the beauty in life and embraced its many challenges. She shared many stories and memories of days gone by and offered words of wisdom to all. Her home was always a place of warmth and welcome and her hospitality will be long remembered. She was a long-time member of St. Patrick’s Church, North East Margaree, and the CWL. She was a true believer in prayer, welcoming many pastoral visits over the years. She loved reading and was blessed with the most amazing memory. She developed a keen interest in genealogy and was truly devoted to find the roots of her family.

She is survived by six children, Jessie Murphy, Margaree; twins, Marlene Fortune, Margaree; Arlene Dunn, Margaree Forks; John (Rita), Margaree; twins, Iris (Walter), Halifax; Angus (Mary), Truro; 43 grandchildren, 60 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Christina (Frank) Skerry, Halifax; Anna (Tom) Young, Halifax; godchild, Gussie MacLellan, Inverness; sister-in-law, Florence MacNeil; several nieces, nephews and extended family.

She was predeceased by her husband, John Joseph; stepmother, Mary Sarah (Gillis) MacNeil; five grandchildren, Dougie Murphy, Frankie Drake, Joey Phillips, Frankie Phillips, Tracy Timmons; eight siblings, James (Jimmy) MacNeil, Mary Sarah, Jim Angus, John Archie, Alex Dan, Elizabeth Ann, Maggie Flora, in infancy; Lewis (Marion) MacLellan; three sons-in-law, Tommy, John, Andrew; sister-in-law, Theresa MacLellan; many brothers and sisters-in-law on the Phillips’ side.

Memorial donations can be made to the Palliative Care Unit at the QEII, or a charity of choice.