Obituary for Grace MacNeil
MacNeil, Grace Olive age 91 passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on August 14, 2022 at Treasured Memories, Yarmouth. Born in Hantsport, NS she was a daughter of the late James and Mildred (Balcom) Hancock. Grace graduated from Acadia University with a BA and BEd in 1951. She started her teaching career soon after graduation and taught for over 38 years, a year in Halifax and the remainder in Yarmouth at Milton, Arcadia and South Centennial schools until her retirement. Grace found much satisfaction by volunteering and actively participating in her community. She was a member of the IODE, president of the Yarmouth Figure Skating Club, past-president and long time board member of the Kaye Nickerson Center and a board member of the John Douglas Kindergarten, to name a few organizations she was involved in. In 2002, Grace was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal which recognized Canadians who made outstanding and exemplary contributions to their communities and/or Canada as a whole. In addition to volunteering, Grace loved to travel, read and play bridge; having a bridge club of dear friends for many years who shared stories and lots of laughs.
Grace is the last surviving member of her immediate family. She is survived by her son, Kevin MacNeil, Langley, B.C.; daughter, Laura Purdy, Rockville, NS.; daughter in law, Beverley MacNeil, Seeley’s Bay, Ont.; grandchildren, Neil (April) MacNeil, Edmonton, AB.; Christopher MacNeil, Seeley’s Bay, Ont. ;Stacey Purdy (Scott Smith), Darling’s Lake, NS.; Katie Purdy (Mike Savoy), Yarmouth, NS.; Shelby Purdy, Rockville, NS.; great grandchildren, Ethan, Elizabeth, Elliot, Madeline, Kingston, Blayre, and Willow. She was predeceased by her husband, Roderick MacNeil; son, Michael MacNeil; sisters, Mary and Francis Hancock; brothers, Wilbur and Murray Hancock; and special companion, Ron Penney. A graveside service will be held Saturday, August 20, 2022 at 11 am from the Our Lady of Calvary Cemetery with Rev. A.D Bill Newell officiating. Memorial donations may be made to the Tri-County Regional Center for Education Breakfast Program, Kaye Nickerson Center or charity of choice. The family would like to take this opportunity to thank Shelley Reardon and the staff at Treasured Memories for going above and beyond, accepting Grace and her family into theirs as their own. A heartfelt thanks is also owed to Dr. David Webster for his care, compassion and support. Online condolences are available by visiting www. sweenysfuneralhome.net.
Grace is the last surviving member of her immediate family. She is survived by her son, Kevin MacNeil, Langley, B.C.; daughter, Laura Purdy, Rockville, NS.; daughter in law, Beverley MacNeil, Seeley’s Bay, Ont.; grandchildren, Neil (April) MacNeil, Edmonton, AB.; Christopher MacNeil, Seeley’s Bay, Ont. ;Stacey Purdy (Scott Smith), Darling’s Lake, NS.; Katie Purdy (Mike Savoy), Yarmouth, NS.; Shelby Purdy, Rockville, NS.; great grandchildren, Ethan, Elizabeth, Elliot, Madeline, Kingston, Blayre, and Willow. She was predeceased by her husband, Roderick MacNeil; son, Michael MacNeil; sisters, Mary and Francis Hancock; brothers, Wilbur and Murray Hancock; and special companion, Ron Penney. A graveside service will be held Saturday, August 20, 2022 at 11 am from the Our Lady of Calvary Cemetery with Rev. A.D Bill Newell officiating. Memorial donations may be made to the Tri-County Regional Center for Education Breakfast Program, Kaye Nickerson Center or charity of choice. The family would like to take this opportunity to thank Shelley Reardon and the staff at Treasured Memories for going above and beyond, accepting Grace and her family into theirs as their own. A heartfelt thanks is also owed to Dr. David Webster for his care, compassion and support. Online condolences are available by visiting www. sweenysfuneralhome.net.