Sydney
Cathy MacNeil, age 69, of Sydney, passed away on Monday, December 5, 2022, surrounded by family in the palliative care unit at Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney.
Cathy was predeceased by her parents, John and Dorothy (Gillis) MacNeil, and sister, Jo-Ann Robertson.
Cathy is survived by her two children, Donnie (Jenna) Vigneau, and Robin (Logan) Vigneau; two grandchildren, Jace, Lincoln and five sisters, Lois (Scott), Phyllis, Theresa (Dan), Dorothy, and Sheri (Jim).
Forever social, Cathy loved spending time at the beach with her friends growing up. This theme continued later in life as summers were often spent at her sisters’ bungalows on the water. Once she became a grandmother, these trips were highlighted by watching her grandchildren laughing and jumping off the dock. She also loved Christmas, as she was always surrounded by loved ones, enjoying many home-cooked meals from family recipes.
Cathy was also an academic, returning to university during the same time her children were enrolled, becoming even more of an inspiration to them. With an education degree in hand, her kind heart took her to remote regions in Northern Manitoba to teach in First Nation communities.
Private memorial service to celebrate the life of Cathy MacNeil will be held at Pier Community Funeral Home, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church St.), Whitney Pier with Fr. Bill Burke officiating. Interment will take place in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Cathy, may 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
So very sorry to read of Cathy’s passing my condolences to you all 💔💔 god bless
From: Kim LeJeune and family
My Condolences to the family at this time. I’m a friend from many years ago.
From: John Martell
My deepest sympathy to the family. Cathy east s lovely person, I worked with her and her daughter Robin, may she Rest in Peace.
From: Anne MacNeil
Condolences to the family on the death of Cathy. She was a beautiful girl, a true northender, and a great neighbor. Lots of love to the family, Janette Hiscock, From: Sandra & John Morrison
My condolences to the Mac Neil and extended families for your loss. This will be difficult for you as I know you are a very supportive family, and your bonds run very deeply which is a testament to the great love you share for one another.
Your greatest strength will come from each other. God bless!
From: Kathy Mac Guire
So very sorry to read of Cathy’s passing.A true North-end girl deeply rooted in her neighborhood and family. Deepest sympathies to her children and all of her sisters.
We are thinking of you all.
Jane & Ann MacNeil
I am so sorry to hear of Cathy’s passing. My heartfelt condolences to Robin and all her family.
Cathy and I attended Holy Angels High School and graduated the same year.
My last memory of Cathy was when she was studying for her B.Ed. and we met at a play at CBU. Her upbeat, positive attitude really impressed me. I greatly admired her determination as a mature student.
I will keep your family in my prayers.
We are so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing Donnie. With heavy hearts, we are thinking of you, Jenna, and all of your family.
Bradford & Emily
Our sincere condolences to Donnie, Robin, and the entire family. We are so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all.
So very sorry to hear of Cathy’s passing. Being Cathy’s cousin we had lots of lovely visits to aunt Dorothy’s ,especially at Christmas time, loved seeing all the Dollie’s all the girls got. You will all have wonderful memories of your sister girls ,you’re in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs !
To Cathy’s family,
Please accept our sincere condolences on Cathy’s passing. She was such a sweet lady who will be dearly missed. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Paula and Gregg
Theresa and family
So sorry for the loss of your sister. She was a lovely looking lady. Although I didn’t know her, I loved reading her obituary with the comments about returning to school as a mature student and then setting off for a new career in Manitoba. This speaks very highly of what a hard working person she was. To her children and grandchildren your loss is no doubt great. May your many memories of her sustain you as you continue in life without her. Condolences
Very sorry to hear of Cathy’s passing. Thinking of Robin, Donnie, and the whole MacNeil family during this difficult time. I know she will be greatly missed.
Donnie, Jenna and Family.
We are all very sorry to hear of your loss. We are thinking of you during this difficult time.
From the staff at Tourism PEI
I am shocked and saddened to learn of Cathy’s passing. She and I met at CBU. We were in the Education program together. Unfortunately we lost touch over the years but I often thought of her and wondered how she was doing. Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss.