Obituary of Violet Mary (Musial) McNeil, Gardiner Mines

It is with profound sadness that we, the family of Violet McNeil, 96 of Gardiner Mines announce her passing on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital surrounded by her loving family.  Heaven gained a beautiful angel and she is now reunited with Da and her boys.

Born in Glace Bay on Feb. 7, 1928 she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Annie (Boutilier) Musial and the last surviving member of her immediate family.

She was a member of the former St. James Parish, Gardiner Mines where she served as a Eucharistic Minister and member of the choir.  She was the last founding member of the Gardiner Mines Seniors and Pensioners Club where she served as Treasurer.  Ma loved to knit, play cards and bingo and especially enjoyed watching her favorite team, the Blue Jays.  She also loved attending the Saturday night dances with her friends.  She was a very giving soul who always put others first.

She is survived by her loving children, Annie (Pius) O'Brien, Linda (Eric) Spencer, Gatha (Daryl) Munroe, Joan (Jimmy) Vanderlinden, all of Dominion, Darlene (Darrell) Ward of Gardiner Mines, Patrick, Gardiner Mines, Kenny, New Waterford.  Also survived by daughters-in-law, Loie and Brenda.

She was a loving grandmother to Darcy, Susan, Sherry, Brenda, Wendy, Cory, Michelle, Cheryl, James, Chris, Erin, Troy, Kara, Bria, Zachary and Cody.

She had 29 great grandchildren, 5 great great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

Besides her parents she was predeceased by her loving husband of 49 years, Freddie Y. McNeil and sons Reggie and Freddie.

Also predeceased by brothers John, Charlie, George, Reggie, Frank, sisters Angela, Irene and by her special friend, Walter Hansen whom she loved like a son.

We were truly blessed to have such a loving, caring mother who showed unconditional love to each and everyone of us.  She had a heart of gold and was loved and respected by everyone who knew her.

We would like to thank the Cape Breton County Homemakers, VON, doctors and nurses of 3rd floor at the G.B. General Hospital and C.B. Regional Hospital, with special thanks to nurse Allan McPhee.  Thank you to the staff at Seaview Manor for the wonderful care she received over the last 9 months, with special mention to her granddaughter, Brenda Spencer.

We would also like to thank our brother Paddy for the loving care provided to her at home.

Visitation will be held at V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 16 Reserve St., Glace Bay on Tuesday, Sept 24th from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. 

A funeral mass will take place at Immaculate Conception Church in Bridgeport at 11:00 am on Wednesday, Sept 25th with a reception to follow at Gardiner Mines Seniors and Pensioners Hall.   Burial at Forest Haven Memorial Gardens. Donations may be made to a charity of choice. Fr. Norman MacPhee presiding.

Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.vjmcgillivray.ca