Alice MacNeil

Obituary of Alice Elaine MacNeil

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Alice Elaine MacNeil (Owens), 87, Soldier’s Cove, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. On Friday, January 31, 2025, our precious mother was called and welcomed through the Gates of Heaven.

Elaine was born in River Bourgeois to Bill and Lillian Owens on August 27, 1937 and was the third oldest of fourteen children. As one of the eldest of fourteen children, Elaine was no stranger to hard work and lots of it. Eager to please her parents she worked diligently at the Fish Hatchery, Mink farming, cutting in the woods and accepting full responsibility of babysitting the younger children. Her dedication molded strong bonded relationships and friendships with her siblings and she cherished each and every one of them. Elaine was a strong role model who was always loving, generous, hard working and whom felt joy and accomplishment when helping family and friends.

Although while growing up there were times that Elaine was faced with many obstacles (as a young child, an appendicitis attack, left her alone in Antigonish Hospital for 6 weeks, winter snow storms walking over 5 miles to school, etc.,) she accepted the circumstance and made the best of them and all resulting to the very strong and determined person she became.

In 1956, Elaine married Martin (the love of her life), moved to Soldier’s Cove and began a family of their own. During their time together they raised 11 children, were strongly supportive to each other, the church and were strong contributors to their community. Elaine lost Martin at a young age and was left to raise the five children who still remained at home. Her strength and determination shone through, enabling her to raise these children on her own and to fulfill her husband’s (Martin) dream of fishing lobster in the lakes. She also had a devastating loss of her son, Alvin, in 1996 that affected her greatly.

Elaine was notably a proven provider and survivor and she wore many different hats in her lifetime to accomplish that title. To name a few, she was a Farmer, merchant, Fisher woman, caregiver, a quilter, and a wreath maker, etc. Elaine had an enormous sense of responsibility and obligations when it came to providing for her family and there would be no obstacle proven too large that would prevent her from achieving that.

She can be described as a remarkable Wife, Mother, daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was determined to make the world a better place and she truly mastered this goal with her love, kindness, generosity, appreciation and respect that she demonstrated to all that were fortunate enough to meet and know her. Elaine opened her home and heart to many people over the years (most notably Raymond) and extended her full love to all without hesitation. She made everyone feel welcomed and accepted regardless of the circumstances. (Remembering the Basketball team that arrived in the early morning hours following a snow storm and their vehicles getting stuck and stranding them in a snow bank)

Our MOM will be forever known to many as one of the strongest and kindest persons of all time. She had a love for Nature and Nature had a love for her. She loved swimming and was so proud to be able to participated in The Swim the Canal event following heart surgery and when in her 70’s. She was an avid gardener of both productive fruit and vegetable gardens and also of beautiful flower gardens. She enjoyed her lawn mowing of which could be a full day’s work and she would note that she didn’t do much on those days. Mom took great joy from watching all the birds that would arrive to devour her daily feedings at her feeders.

Mom especially loved her time in the woods and at the water with her most cherished daughter Brenda. The entire family is most grateful for all the love and excellent care that Brenda provided to MOM over the years. Brenda, words cannot begin to express our gratitude to you!

Elaine was preceded in death by her husband, Martin, and her son, Alvin. She is survived by her children, Michael (Carolyn), Carol (Earl), Edward (Tracey), Rose (Donnie), Brenda, Martha (Sheldon), Patricia (Tyrone), Darlene, Gary (Nadine), Janice (Rod), and special family friend and like a son to her, Stewart (Glenda) Kelly; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by siblings Michael, Lionel, Eddie and Margie; and survived by siblings Ann, Billy (Eva), Ethel, Gertrude (George), Joyce, Gregory, Paul, Marlene (Roy), and Vincent (Francine) as well as brother-in-law Roddie and sister-in-law Joan. She also leaves many other extended family members and friends who will sadly miss her.

Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday, February 4 in Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, 26 Centennial St., St. Peter's. Funeral mass will be 11 a.m. Wednesday from Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, Johnstown with Father John Yake officiating. Private family burial will follow in Immaculate Conception Parish Cemetery, Barra Head.

Our family would like to express sincere thanks to the doctors, nurses and caring staff of the L’Ardoise Medical Center staff and palliative care team, with special thanks to Aleicia and Leslie.

Memorial donations may be made to the Dr Kingston Memorial Community Health Centre in L’ Ardoise or the St.Peter’s Parish (Immaculate Conception Church Cemetery Fund, Barra Head). Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com 

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Tuesday
4
February

Visitation

5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Dennis Haverstock Funeral Homes (SP)
26 Centenial Street
St. Peter's, Nova Scotia, Canada
902-535-3067
Wednesday
5
February

Funeral Mass

11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church
Hwy 4
Johnstown, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Alice MacNeil

In Loving Memory

Alice MacNeil

1937 - 2025

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