Obituary of Mary Veronica (Burke) McNeil, Gardiner Mines

The lovely lady we were privileged to call Mom has been called home to join her loved ones called before her. Mom, age 91, passed away on Saturday, January 21^st, 2023 in New Waterford Hospital surrounded by her loving family.

 

Mary was a proud daughter of the late Walter and Theresa “Tessie” (Tighe) Burke of Lingan.

Mom met and married the love of her life, John “Curly” McNeil in 1948 and they shared 56 happy years together in Gardiner Mines.

 

Mom gave much of her life to raising her beloved children, Jean Lawrence, Harold (Charlene), Joan MacDonald, Danny (Marlene), Joanne (George) Kendall, Yvonne Brewer, Murray (Brenda) and David (Angie).

 

Moms love of children led her to foster many children over the years with honourable mention to Robbie May (deceased).

 

Mom was blessed with grandchildren, Jason, Stephen, Adam, Melissa, Sonya, Jenny, Gerard, Sarah, Marybeth, Kevin, Alec, Nathan, Hillary, Callie, Michael, Josh, great grandchildren, Addison, Alyssa, Archer, Avery, Benjamin, Ella, Eli, Emma, Jack, Jacob, Jovie, Petra, Sloan, Sophia, Tatum, Theon, Ty, Vaida and Victoria.

 

Also surviving are her siblings, Vange, Gerald, Eldon, Theresa, Bernie, Danny, sister-in-law and best friend, Jeanette Gouthro.

 

Besides her parents, Mom was predeceased by our Dad, “Curly” in 2004, brothers, Joe and Patrick, sons-in-law, Paul Brewer, George Lawrence, Darryl MacDonald and daughter-in-law, Georgina McNeil.

 

Mom loved spending time camping, dancing, going on road trips to Danny O’Donnell concerts with the gals, bowling and her weekly card games.

 

Mom was the centre of our family and will be sorely missed. Until we meet again Beautiful Lady, God Bless and continue to smile down on us. We all need to feel your presence.

 

Mom had a special bond with each of her children in her own special way which we will cherish forever. Visits to Halifax and New Brunswick, daily lunch dates, phone calls, beloved campfires, sharing her homemade bread, her yearly lobster boil in her backyard, so many beautiful memories.

 

An angel came to call your name because your place in heaven was ready. You had to leave us behind but we know God welcomed you. You will remain forever in our hearts.

 

Visitation for Mary is Wednesday, January 25^th from 4-9 pm in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 16 Reserve Street, Glace Bay.

 

The funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, January 26^th at 2 pm in Immaculate Conception Church, Bridgeport with Fr Dan Boudreau presiding.

 

Mom will be laid to rest with our Dad at St. James Cemetery, Gardiner Mines immediately following the mass with a reception to follow in Gardiner Mines Pensioners Hall.

 

Donations in her memory may be made to Immaculate Conception Church or Charity of your choice. On line condolences to the family can be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca