MACNEIL, Joseph Elwood ‘Josie’
It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Joseph ‘Josie’ MacNeil, age 86, on Sunday, May 7, 2017 at home where he was most comfortable, surrounded by his loving family. Joe had the most beautiful blue eyes that wouldn’t hurt a soul. Whenever out and about ‘Da’ always said, “Take me home!”.
Born in Dominion, December 3, 1930, he was the son of the late Malcolm N. and Mary (Gillis) MacNeil.
For many years, Joe worked as a carpenter until his retirement. He was a member of the Carpenters Union Local 1588 for over 50 years. Anyone who knew Joe knew his love for all living creatures, his love of a simple walk in his woods and his love of books. He also took great pride in his many vegetable gardens. Joe celebrated his 60th Wedding Anniversary with his first and only love, Lena in November 2016.
He will be sadly missed by his wife, Lena; daughters, Anne MacDonald (Paul, Chris, Ryan, Evan), Mary/Eddie Kelly (Shalese, Shauntel), Brenda/ Greg MacKinnon (Jessica, Cory), all of Dominion, Lisa/ Tom Whiting (Shane, Trevor, Kyle, Katherine ‘Papa’s Little Saint’), Glace Bay and Dianne (Jordan, Tyler, Jonathon); sons, Steve/Uli (Eric, Melissa, Megan, Marshall, Michelle, Anika), Moose Jaw, Bernie/Florence (Rebecca), Sydney and Mickey (Darlene), Bedford. Special mention to son-in-law, Greg MacKinnon, who throughout the years was most like a son to Joe.
Also surviving are five great grandchildren; brother, Malcie, New Waterford; sister, Eileen (Frank) Murphy, Halifax; sisters-in-law, Kaye, Sydney, Liz, Kingston, Ontario, and many nieces and nephews.
Joe was predeceased by his son-in-law, Paul MacDonald; sister, Mary Mars, and brothers, Charles, Alex, Norman, John V., Francis and Adrian.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 16 Reserve Street, Glace Bay. There will be no visitation at his request. A Funeral Mass will be held at Immaculate Conception Church, Bridgeport on Wednesday at 11 a.m. with Fr. Dan Boudreau officiating followed by a reception in the church hall. Interment in the parish cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Palliative Care Society, Sydney.
Online condolences can be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.
In the words of Josie’s sister, Eileen Murphy, “When a loved one dies and you are feeling bad, it hurts them up in heaven, and God will be pleased with us if we accept death with a smile.”