It is with sadness the family of Barbara Jean MacNeill of Trenton announce her passing on August 20, 2021 at Shiretown Nursing Home in Pictou. She was born in Unionvale, PEI on September 1, 1936 to Bruce and Tillie (Boyle) MacDougall.
Before her marriage, Jean taught in a one-room schoolhouse on PEI. She has had a life-long love for children.
In 1956 Jean married her late husband, Firth MacNeill, and eventually settled in Trenton, N.S. She was a wonderful hostess and cook, knitter, quilter and all things craft related. As a mother of six children these talents came in handy. Visitors were often greeted with fresh baked rolls and a great meal around the kitchen table. She also enjoyed camping and travelling to visit her children scattered across the country. When the children were grown, she worked at Brass Buttons and Leisure World in New Glasgow which used her knowledge of crafts.
The United Church in Trenton played an important role in her life and she made many friends in the Naomi group of the United Church Women. Her faith and visits from her church friends gave her comfort during her long illness following a stroke in 1999.
Jean is survived by her daughters: Joann (Allan) Josselyn; Darlene (Kimble) Meagher; sons: Vernon MacNeill; Greg (Jane) MacNeill; Kevin (Ceci) MacNeill; and David (Nancy) Mac Neill. She has 10 grandchildren: Morgan, Laura, Nicholas, Jessica, Andrew, Ryan, Eric, Gillian, Sara and Rebecca and 9 great-grandchildren. Jean is also survived by in-laws: Sandy MacDougall, Lorraine Harris, Bill Meggison and Claire and Harriet MacNeill and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Firth MacNeill, infant granddaughter, Katherine, sister, Joyce Leach and brother, Kenneth MacDougall.
The family would like to thank Dr. James MacLauchlan the staff at Shiretown Nursing Home for the wonderful care she received there and CHAD Transit that gave her the ability to go into the community for many enjoyable outings.
A private graveside service will be held Monday, August 30th at 11am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Trenton First United Church, CHAD Transit or charity of choice. Arrangements are under the direction of R.H. Porter Funeral Home, Trenton.