Obituary of Joyce Lillian MacNeil

MacNeil, Joyce Lillian (RN), 89 of Abercrombie passed away peacefully December 17, 2021 in the Aberdeen Hospital with her family by her side. Born in Stellarton on February 4, 1932 she was a daughter of the late Thomas(Tom) and Margaret(Matheson)Murrell. Joyce graduated Stellarton High School in 1949 and in 1950 was accepted into the Aberdeen School of Nursing 3 year program graduating in 1953. Mom nursed in Ontario until 1960 at which time she returned to the Aberdeen Hospital accepting the position of Head Nurse of the recovery room, a position she held until her retirement in 1993. In the Mid 1980’s, mom took a leave and enrolled in a critical care course offered at the Victoria General Hospital in Halifax. Upon completion of this course, mom then took a Healthcare Management refresher course in Ottawa. In 1993 after announcing her retirement plans, the Doctors and OR staff organized her retirement party at the former Heather Motel. The master of ceremonies was Dr. B.Cole with speeches from anesthesiologists Dr. J. MacDonald and Dr. H. Adamson as well as Dr. Sebastien. A special plaque in recognition of her 33 years at the Aberdeen Hospital was presented by then Premier Dr. J. Hamm, Dr. H. Locke and Director of Nursing Faye Hoare. In 2003 Mom received her “Gold Cap” in recognition of being an Aberdeen RN for 50 years at a ceremony held at Summer Street Industries. Mom was a member of the Stellarton Curling Club for 20 years, a sport she truly loved. In her earlier years, Mom vacationed in New York, England, Las Vegas, Nashville, Florida, British Columbia and Ontarioas well as various spots in the Maritimes. Joyce is survived by sons Harold, Abercrombie; Sandy, New Glasgow; granddaughter Chloe(Johnny Reddick), great-granddaughters Ariella and Lucia, sisters; Lorna MacDonald, Stellarton; Rhoda(Charles) and Willan, Moncton. She was predeceased by sisters Phoebe in infancy, Ruth Whidden and Edna MacKay, brothers; Harold, Clayton and Gary, sisters-in-law; Jean Murrell, Violet Murrell and Elaine Murrell, brothers-in-law Keith Whidden, Carthew(Cart)MacDonald and Byron MacKay. Cremation has taken place. At Joyce’s request there will be no visitation or services. A private burial will take place in the Abercrombie Cemetery at a later date in the spring. Donations in memory of Joyce may be made to a charity of one’s choice. A special thank you to Dr. Jamie Cox and Dr. Robin Grant for their care and compassion shown to mom, also to the nurses on the 4th floor for the care given to our mom. A special thank you to Johnny and Glen and staff at the H.W. Angus Funeral Home. angusfuneralhomes.com