Ann (Small) MacNeil died peacefully at the age of 81, at Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro on Friday, April 5, 2024.
Born in Sydney, Cape Breton to parents Cecilia (MacKinnon) and Alex Small, Ann was the oldest of eight children. She married Rory MacNeil on August 14, 1963. In the early years of their marriage they moved out west and lived in Calgary and Wataskwin, Alberta. In 1967, they moved to Cornwall, Ontario. In 1970, they returned to Nova Scotia and lived in Truro for 54 years where they raised their four children. Ann graduated from Success Business College and worked as a medical secretary at St. Rita’s Hospital in Sydney and for doctors, Alex Crowe and Bruce Phillips in Truro.
Ann was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Rory MacNeil; son, Brent MacNeil; daughters, Jerelynn MacNeil (Shawn Vokey), Coleen MacNeil (Martin Ethier) and Kate MacNeil (Gasper Barone); seven grandchildren, John Vokey, Kaleigh Vokey, Shawna Vokey, Maria Ethier, Ethan Ethier, Antoine Ethier and Vinny Barone.
Ann loved Cape Breton music and enjoyed spending many summers at the old MacNeil family home in Grand Narrows on the Bras D’Or Lake. She was a very involved member of the community and local Catholic Church. She volunteered for years at the Colchester Historical Society. She was very devoted to her family and friends and especially loved her seven grandchildren.
We thank the nursing staff and physicians at the Colchester East Hants Health Centre who provided excellent palliative care.
No funeral service will be held. A private family burial will take place in the Christmas Island Parish Cemetery, Cape Breton in June 2024. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia or VON Adult Day Program are welcomed. Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro. Tributes, words of comfort and memories may be shared at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com
"We Hold You Close"
Mother we hold you close within our hearts,
And there you shall remain,
To walk with us throughout our lives,
Until we meet again.
So rest in peace our beloved Mother,
And thanks for all you have done.
We pray that God has given you,
The Crown you have truly won.