Obituary of Lena Mary MacNeil, Dominion

On Sept 25th 2020 one heart was mended while dozens more were left broken, Lena MacNeil was reunited with her husband of over 60 years, Joseph “Josie” MacNeil in heaven. They met in Toronto. After living in an apartment directly below him for months the landlord finally convinced Josie to ask her on a date, they instantly fell in love. They spent many days sitting at Niagara Falls, one of their favorite spots. They settled eventually into a home they built board by board in Gardiner Mines, at first even sleeping on the floor with no power. Many years later they moved into Josie’s family home in Dominion, where Lena loved watching him plant his gardens (especially her favorite, the radishes). Lena was born in 1935 in Gaspe, Quebec to her late parents Henri and Angelina Normandeau. She was also predeceased by her brother, Normand, sister, Jeanette and son in law, Paul. Lena loved spending time at Dominion Beach feeding hundreds of seagulls. She would spend hours there sitting in her car and watching the waves. You could find her there 90% of the time. She also enjoyed going for drives with her daughters, going out for something to eat, and shopping (for things she definitely didn’t need). She loved bingo and going to the casino or simply just sitting on her back step. She will be sadly missed by her daughters, Anne MacDonald (Paul, Chris, Ryan, Evan, Erika), Mary/Eddie Kelly(Shalese, Shauntel), Brenda/Greg MacKinnon (Jessica, Cory), all of Dominion, Lisa/Tom Whiting (Shane, Trevor, Kyle, Katherine), Reserve and Dianne (Jordan, Tyler, Jonathon); sons, Steve (Eric, Melissa, Megan, Marshall, Michelle, Anika), Moose Jaw, Bernie/Florence (Rebecca), Sydney and Mickey/ Darlene, Bedford, brother in law Malcie (whom she enjoyed weekly phone calls)and sister in law Kaye. She will also be missed by her many great grandchildren, especially her “sweetboy” Declan. The family would like to say thanks to all the nurses and doctors that helped with Lena’s care, we cannot thank you enough. Cremation has taken place under the direction of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 16 Reserve Street, Glace Bay. There will be no visitation. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 at 11 am in Immaculate Conception Church, Bridgeport with Fr. Dan Boudreau officiating. Interment in the parish cemetery. On line condolences to the family can be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca Masks are required.