NEAL, Helen Anna

It is with heavy hearts that we, the family, announce the passing of our dear mother, g randmother, great-grandmother and aunt, Helen Anna Neal on Tuesday, January 12, 2021, at the Cove Guest Home, Sydney. She was born on December 25, 1929, in Marble Mountain, to the late John Angus and Florence (Pacey) MacDonald and was a long-time resident of Ritchie Street in Sydney. Helen is survived by her children, Hilma (Bill) Besso; sons, Glen (Eleanor) Neal and Trevor ( Julie), Neal; grandchildren, Cathy Warren, Kimberly Kendall ( Adam), Timothy Neal (Susan Gallant) and Jeni Neal (Tristan White); great-grandchildren, Jenna (Audrey) Digero, Jacob Warren, McKenna and Georgia Kendall. She is also survived by her nieces, Marilyn (Gary) Aucoin, Faye (Sonny) Goode, Linda (Chris) Kiley, Debbie Fewer, Margo (Carmen) Giacomantonio and Sherri MacDonald; and nephew, John “Piper” (Kathy) MacDonald. Helen was predeceased by her husband, Glenmore Neal; brother, Charles; sister-in-law, Kay (MacLellan) MacDonald; niece, Elaine (Clifford “Deacon”) Delaney; and nephew, David (Sam) MacDonald. Mom was a devoted wife and mother who loved her family dearly, always putting them first. She had many friends, including her very special longtime friends, the late Rita Ball, the late Marie Beck and Clara Cooke. For over 25 years, mom worked at Bol-Mor Lanes/Heather Lanes in Sydney, where she was loved by all and feared by most. In her younger years, Helen was member of the City Ladies Bowling League, the United Church Women’s Group (UCW) and the Ladies Auxiliary at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 12, Sydney. Mom’s greatest pleasure was when all the family met for special gatherings at her home, especially at Christmas, for which she always went far and beyond giving to her children and grandchildren. The family would like to thank Dr. Greg Myatt and nurse, Janice Black for their years of care and Ann Gill for her personal home care. A special thank you to head nurse, Janice Burton and all the staff in the Creative Care unit at the Cove Guest Home, where mom was a resident for the past 2Ω years. A funeral service will be held at Sydney Memorial Chapel on Friday, January 15 at 2 p.m., with Rev. Dr. Thomas Whent officiating. Interment will take place in Hardwood Hill Cemetery at a later date. The service can be viewed on Facebook Live by visiting the Sydney Memorial Chapel Facebook page. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a local charity of your choice. Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or e-mail sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca.