Obituary of Loretta M. MacNeil (nee Devine)

On Friday January 15th, Loretta MacNeil (nee Devine) died peacefully in her home in the presence of her loving family. Born in Joggins, NS on September 11, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Jenny Devine (Hebert). Her 94 years of life were blessed by her strong Catholic faith, her unwavering hope in the future and her inexhaustible love for God, her family and those around her. Loretta was a dedicated and faithful wife of 38 years to her husband Joseph Benedict MacNeil until his passing in 1985. Their marriage was blessed with six children, 14 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Gifted by God with heartfelt compassion and a wonderful sense of humour, she was a friend to many. One of her greatest gifts was to experience and express the beauty of God in creation as an artist. She found great joy in flower arrangements, pottery, baked treats, designing colorful gardening beds, and most especially in her painting of original watercolors. She had a sensitivity to capturing beauty in all of life. Loretta belonged to the Catholic Women's League, Our Lady of Lourdes Choir, and was an avid traveller and bowler in her later years. Along with her parents and husband, Loretta was predeceased by her sisters Sadie Burke and Mildred Doherty and her brothers Harvey Devine and Earl Devine as well as her son in law, David Roy Mackay. She is survived by her daughters Jean Marie Mackay, Springville and Jenny Lynn Proudfoot (Kendall), New Glasgow and sons Harvey MacNeil (Jessie), Stellarton, Brice MacNeil (Heather), Stellarton, David MacNeil (Heather), Eastern Passage and Fr. Paul MacNeil, Pawleys Island, SC. Also surviving are grandchildren : Sacha Mackay Belong, Erin Mackay Deagle (Mike), Amy Lissa Mackay, Ian Earl Mackay (Tori), Jay Sloan, Daniel MacNeil (Katie), Michael MacNeil, Kevin MacNeil (Ashley) ,Robert MacNeil, Joe MacNeil, Jacqueline MacNeil, Sarah MacNeil (Justin), Joseph Proudfoot (Bethany), and James Proudfoot; great grandchildren Carlie and Kira Belong, Katie, Josh, Sarah and Cooper Deagle, David Roy and Maggie Jean Mackay, Brice and Loretta MacNeil, Dustin and Hayley MacNeil and Eva Lynn Proudfoot. Loretta is survived by many nieces and nephews. The family would like to sincerely thank all those who have been so kind to our mother throughout her life. Your love and good deeds go before you. Funeral arrangements are under the care of HC MacQuarrie Funeral Home in Stellarton. The Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Stellarton, on Wednesday January 20 at 11am. Due to Covid19 restrictions there is no visitation and Funeral Mass is limited to family members only. If you would like to honour our mother, please do so by making a donation to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, the Victoria Order of Nurses, or Palliative Care, Aberdeen Hospital. No flowers by request. Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. And may her soul and the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen. www.angusfuneralhomes.com