Mary Patricia MacNeil

Funeral service for the late Mary Patricia MacNeil, 86, Mahoney's Beach, Antigonish County, was held September 29 in St. Columba Church, Lakevale, with Father Andrew Boyd officiating, assisted by Father Angus MacGillivray. Burial will be in the parish cemetery at a later date. Mrs. MacNeil died September 24, 2018, at home. Readers at the funeral Mass were nieces Sheilagh MacKinnon Hudon, Judy Macgillivray and Mary McGillivray. Grandchildren Patricia MacNeil and Greg Near presented the offertory gifts. Music was provided by Margaret MacGregor MacDonald. Pallbearers were children Brian MacNeil, Andrew MacNeil, Rob MacNeil, Beth MacNeil, Ian MacNeil and Greg MacNeil. Born October 8, 1931, in Antigonish, she was the youngest child of the late Dr. W. F. and Mary P. (Chisholm) MacKinnon. She grew up in a household where service to others grew out of her deeply held Catholic faith. She acquired early-on a lifelong love of horses. She graduated from McGill University School of Physiotherapy and balanced her adult life between treating patients and raising her family. Her later years included volunteer service at the Antigonish Food Bank and with the Antigonish Town and County Palliative Care Society, tempered with an increasing appreciation for bridge-playing. She is survived by five sons, Brian, Mahoney's Beach; Andrew, Halifax; Rob (Jackie), Toronto; Ian (Gisele), Whitby; Greg (Lisa), Toronto; daughter, Beth, Ottawa; seven grandchildren, Patricia, Madeleine, Cecile, Michael, Graham, Greg, Ewan; brother, Reverend Gregory MacKinnon. She was predeceased by her husband, Michael J. MacNeil; three brothers, Bill, John, Ken; two sisters, Maureen, Janet. Memorial donations may be made to St. Martha’s Regional Hospital Foundation or the Antigonish Town and County Palliative Care Society. Online condolences: www.clcurry.com