Obituary of Kathy McNeil

Kathy "Kate" Jean Marie McNeil passed away Friday, February 3rd after an extended illness. Kate was born on a hot June day in 1956 in Holtville, New Brunswick. She enjoyed cooking, had an excellent memory for poems (“Cremation of Sam McGee”) and jokes, and loved to read. A hard worker, she recently retired from 27 years at York Manor. During her brief stay at the DECH, Kate received excellent care and support from staff in 4 South East and in palliative care at 3 East. In particular, Joan Lyons; nurses, Tiffany and Melissa and doctors, Debbie Gowan and A. Irrinki, special thanks to social worker, Brenda Haslam Layden, as well. Kate was predeceased by soul mate, Teddy Brown; her father, Crumley McNeil; baby Daniel; niece, Holly Young; grandparents, Carl and Mary (Brennan) McNeil, Everett and Bernice (McKay) Black; several aunts and uncles, and by her furry friends, Daisy Dog, Lucky Cat, and Charmin’ Cat. Kate is survived by mother, Dorothy McNeil; siblings, Wanda Hargrove, Susan (Terry) Young, Patrick McNeil (Alexa Kalina); nephews, Jeff (Amy) Young, Ryan Young, Michael Hargrove, Darcey McNeil; nieces, Jennifer McNeil-Hay (Simon Haddad), Veronica McNeil (Matt Richard), Maggie Young, and Victoria Gesner; great-nieces, Anna Hay, Amelia (Kate’s faery child) Hay, Randi Mae Richard; great nephews, Lachlan Hay and Brenden Leblanc. Kate had countless friends who survive her. Among her very close friends, Kate counted her honourary pallbearers, Rhoda Crandlemere, Melanie Beckett, Chris Rickard, ‘Boy’ John Saunders, Denise Glazier and Doris Nason and good friends Sammie Sinclair, Mac Culliton, Gail Hanson, Robin Nason, Tina and her father Pat Smith, and Kate’s furry friend Tomas Cat, most excellent neighbors Wendy and Luc Pickard, special border Max Fairley and all of her favorite books, peace, love, rockin’ roll and the spirit of generosity that guided her. A Memorial Service will be held at York Funeral Home’s T. Gordon MacLeod Memorial Chapel on Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 2 pm with Pastor Peter Thomas officiating; reception to follow in the fireside room. There will be an informal gathering at Speedbumps Sports Bar to take place after luncheon in celebration of Kate’s life. Internment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the David Suzuki Foundation. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com