Whitney Pier
Deborah Ann MacNeil, age 64, of Whitney Pier passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday, July 31, 2019, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Palliative Care Unit 4E, Sydney.
Debbie was born on October 9, 1954, to the late William ‘Billy’ and Gertrude ‘Gertie’ Bennett.
During her 44 years of marriage to Frank MacNeil, together they raised two daughters, Shannon (Russell) MacKinnon and Lisa (Matthew) Jobb. Debbie loved her three grandchildren, Rylee and Brennan MacKinnon and Vivian Jobb, dearly.
Debbie is survived by her husband; children; grandchildren; sisters, Julianna (late Mark) Marcoux and Frances (Doug) Moulton; brothers, Wayne (Phyllis) Bennett and Raymond (Beverly) Bennett; as well as many nieces, nephews and in-laws.
Debbie is predeceased by her mother, Gertie and father, Billy. She is also predeceased by her sisters, Gertrude ‘Sis’ (Frank) Adey and Freda (Bill) Cooke; brothers, Nelson and Leo (Juliann Tynski) Bennett; nieces, Lora (Julie) Marcoux and Darlene (Freda) Howell, Sharon (Frances) Moulton and brothers-in law, Mark (Julie) Marcoux and Gordon (Freda) MacDonald.
Debbie’s presence will be missed by all who knew her. She brightened up every room that she graced and every life she encountered. Debbie was one of those rare individuals who, upon meeting her, made you feel like you knew her forever; so easy to talk to, always making others feel comfortable and special. It was impossible to not have fun or be happy around her. Debbie was a joy giver and brought love and laughter everywhere she went. Debbie was an incredibly loyal wife and she loved her husband and the life they created together. She was an amazing mother to her two daughters and mother-figure to many. She was the best grandmother and incredible sister, daughter and best friend to all who knew her. Although she is no longer physically here, her fingerprints remain all over our hearts and the beautiful legacy she left will be passed down for generations.
Until we meet again, Mom. We love you more than words could ever express. Thank you for all your love and sacrifices and thank you for being you. Xx
The family would like to thank our friends and family, the team of doctors, nurses, VON and Palliative Care volunteers who cared for Mom during this difficult time.
Memorial Service for the late Deborah A. MacNeil will be held on Sunday, August 4, 2019 at 2 p.m. in Holy Redeemer Church, Whitney Pier, with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating.
Following the service, a reception will be held at the Pier Community Funeral Home.
Private family interment will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Debbie can be made to the Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton County.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
Our sincere condolences and prayers to you Frank and Family,Debbie was a sweet and very Friendly lady ,so sad…God Bless Roberta/Sean O’Leary
From: Roberta O’Leary
My heart breaks for you all Debbie was a wonderful mom grandmother wife sister hugs to you all let her live on in your hearts xoxo. Sorry I’m away will be thinking of you all
From: Diana and Melvin keough
We are so sorry for your loss; she will never be far away because she will always be in your heart.
From: Rodger and Arlene Mac Kenzie
So sorry to hear of Debbie’s passing. I knew her from Don Bosco school, had such a great time at the pier rink with school skating. Thinking of her family at this most difficult time
From: Helen Boutilier
So sorry to hear of Debbie’s passing. Our thoughts are with Frank and her entire family at this time.
From: Bob and Norma MacVay
Words cannot express how deeply sorry I am for your loss Lisa and family. I know how much your mother meant to you. She will be forever in your heart. Xox
From: Kattie Misener
Frank and Family
My sincere sympathy is with you all at this time of sorrow. I knew Debbie to be a kind and friendly person. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this sad time
From: Fred MacAulay
Sincere sympathy, I haven’t t seen Debbie for many years but I knew that smile in the cape Breton post. She was wonderful to my aunt jiggy MacIsaac at care field manor. So sorry for your loss Dianne colford Macaskill
From: Dianne MacAskill
Sending hugs to you all so sorry to hear about your mom wife and sister Debbie was a sweet special person hold on to all the good times xoxo sorry I’m leaving for nfld Friday till Monday will be thinking of you all xoxo
Sorry for your loss Frank, Shannon, Lisa and family
So sorry for your loss love and prayers through this difficult time
RIP Debbie Thoughts and Prayers to all her Family.. Arno/Peggy Johnson..
Rest in Peace. Thoughts and prayers are with Debbie’s family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you Shannon and family. xox
My sincere condolences and prayers to you Frank and family,Debbie was a very nice person ,so sad
My sincere condolences and prayers for you Frank and your family,Debbie was a very sweet and friendly lady…so sad
Our sincere condolences and prayers to you Frank and your family,Debbie was a sweet and very friendly lady ..so sad..Roberta/Sean O’Leary
We will miss her! So sorry for your loss Frank, Shannon, Lisa and family.
So Very Sorry for you loss Frank , Shannon& Lisa & Families ‼️ I will be away but my thoughts & Prayers will be with all of you ‼️????
On behalf of the Direct Sales Team, we offer our most sincere condolences. We send love and strength to all of you, know you are in our thoughts. Much Love. ❤️
So sorry for your loss. Debbie was a beautiful person and will be missed dearly. My condolences to the family and her many friends.
Frank and girls so sorry for your loss. Debbie was one of the best, she was a joy to be around and made everyone feel like you were her best friend, she will be dearly missed.
Dear Frank, Shannon and Lisa,
We are broken hearted for you. What a great person! Debbie was the most fun loving person. So many laughs shared with her. Bangor Maine trip with the girls 20 years ago or so should have been a movie. We still talk about it to this day. She made the trip.
The most giving person, always doing for others, always! Best babysitter ever! When she comes to our mind, it’s her laugh that we hear, the best! We hope all your greatest memories will help you through the roughest days to come. All our love to you from Terry, Deneyse, Chad and Cory. ❤️
Such sad sad news of Debbie. Sorry for your loss Lisa/Frank/Shannon and family.
Heart felt sorrow to Frank, Lisa, Shannon, family and friends.. May you Rest In Peace Debbie..
So sorry to hear about the passing of Debbie. Prayers sent to family.
So sorry for your loss Frank. I have fond memories of Debbie growing up when we were teenagers. She is a kind soul. RIP friend.
Frank and family. I am so sorry to hear of such a sad loss. Debbie was the sweetest person. My heart goes out to all of you. I will keep you all in my thoughts and Prayers. RIP my friend.
Frank & family,so sorry to hear of Debbie’s passing.We send you our condolences and prayers.Memories will keep her alive in your heart.
God Bless Her ,So sorry for your loss ,My heart go out to you all.
So sorry to hear ,my heart go out to you and your families.xoxoxo
Shannon, Lisa, Frank and family, we are thinking of you. She left an incredible legacy in her girls and their children. Much love.
So sorry for your tremendous loss Frank, Shannon, Lisa and children. Her memory will stay in your hearts forever.
Shannon…So sorry to hear about your Mom’s passing. Thinking of you and your family ♥️
sorry for your loss FRANK take care buddy
Frank, Shannon, Lisa and family, my deepest sympathy for your loss of your beautiful wife and Mom. I have many happy memories of Debbie’s sweet nature and kindness. It was a pleasure to know her. Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Sorry Wayne and family in your loss of your sister.Prayers for you and the rest of her family.
Frank my sincere sympathy to you & your family. Debbie was a beautilful person.
Deeply sorry for your huge loss.May she rest in peace.
Shannon and Russell and family, so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
DEAR FRANK & FAMILY, GRANDCHILDREN & TERESA & BOB,I’M SO SORRY TO HEAR OF DEBBIE’S PASSING. PLEASE ACCEPT MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY. MAY THE HAPPY MEMORIES YOU HAVE OF DEBBIE CONSOLE YOU AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME. SINCERELY, MURIEL BLACKWOOD & FAMILY
So sorry to hear this. My condolences to all of your family and hoping the many memories will help at this time.
Sincerely Debbie Jones and family
♥️no words..beautiful tribute beautiful person such a loss.