Doreen Elizabeth (Devereaux) MacNeil

Doreen Elizabeth MacNeil (Devereaux)
Little Bras d’or

Our family is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Doreen MacNeil,  loving wife, mother and Nanny, at the age of 81 on Friday, October 15, 2021 at Harbourstone Enhanced Care.

Born in Sydney, on April 29, 1940, Doreen was the daughter of the late John and Mary “Sis” (MacKinnon) Devereaux.  Nanny was a devoted wife, a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend to many. Her greatest pleasure was watching her grandchildren play hockey locally, across Canada or the US. People still remind me of the time they met her at the rinks in Moncton during tournaments. Her grandchildren would be playing in a tournament and while we would go home, Nanny chose to stay at the rink and watch other kids. By the time we came back she was never alone and introducing us to her new friends.
She was an incredible home maker who kept me and Dad on the straight and narrow. If we weren’t, she was quick to put us in our place.  
There were frequent card nights at the house with friends and no one ever went home hungry. She was happiest when cooking for a houseful …… the more the merrier.
From her diagnosis and many years after Nanny was an avid skater who frequented every rink in the greater CBRM, and I believe knew half the people on Cape Breton Island. She was a regular walker and could be spotted multiple times a day heading up the Groves Point or Prince Mine Road wearing out shoes on a regular basis. She loved her summers spent on the Margaree River, especially family weekend when everyone arrived. 
She was in excellent physical shape and incredibly tough. It showed when diagnosed with Alzheimer’s almost 10 years ago. It had only been the last few years when the disease had taken over, but we are thankful for all the good years we had after diagnosis.

Mourning her loss is her loving husband of 56 years Freeman, son Kelly (Michelle), grandchildren Tyler, Chelsea (Steven Campbell) along with her grand dogs. Nanny loved dogs so much she rode backseat with Dad most of time. It was funny to see them arrive for a visit to Moncton with the dog in the front seat. Nanny also leaves to mourn her brother Frank (Hilda) Devereaux of Westmount, nephews Fr. Duane Devereaux, Blair, Gerard, and Glen Mac Neil, nieces Lee Marie, Lori Ann, Leanne, Brenda, Theresa and sister-in-law Joan (Allison) Young.

Everyone needs a true friend in their life and Mom was fortunate to have the love and support of her best friend Elaine Clarke who we can’t thank enough.

Thank you to Nanny’s nephews Blair & Glen for the numerous times you jumped in for support.
A very special thank you to the best neighbors in the world, Gary & Gail for everything you have done for Mom & Dad the past 23 years. Living independently in their home would not have been possible without you.
To the staff on MacDougall Court at Harbourstone Enhanced Care a heartfelt thank you for all you have done, and the compassion shown even when Mom was upset with you. I’m sure your candy and sweet cabinet will not be emptied nearly as often now.

At Nanny’s request there will be no visitation. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at St Joseph Church, Bras d’or under the care and direction of W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney.  Covid-19 restrictions will be in place with mandatory proof of vaccine, NS Government Photo ID and the wearing of masks.   
In lieu of flowers donations to the Alzheimer’s society of Nova Scotia would be appreciated.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.wjdooley.com.  

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