Marie McNeill

Marie McNeill, Nepean Ont., passed away unexpectedly at home on Monday reaching the blessed age of 91 and a half.

Born in South Devon, N.B., mom was the daughter of the late James and Francis, and wife of her late husband of almost 56 years of marriage (Sept. 2009) Conrad formerly of Burtt’s Corners.  Mom was a dedicated member of the Anglican Church of Canada since she was a little girl and continued that devotion to become a Lay Reader for several decades.

Mom grew up on Union Street in Fredericton and although her married “Airforce” life had allowed her to travel to ten countries around the world, she maintained close contact with her closest childhood friends.  She was Valedictorian of her graduation class at Fredericton High School in 1951 and had remained an organizing member of subsequent reunions including their 50^th , 60th and 65^th celebrations (2016). She earned her teaching degree and taught in Stanley N.B.  She always had an insatiable desire to learn and did so with earnest.  Her artistic abilities came through in all she accomplished.  Mom was excellent at couture designing many of her own outfits and was extremely competent with computer, tablet and cell phone use into her 90s.  Mom loved music and was a long-time member of the traveling inter-denominational choir ’The Glory Dei Singers’.  Her cooking was excellent winning her many prizes.  We were very lucky.

1956 brought a major change of life when Conrad joined the Airforce.  Life as a military wife was hard with long periods of Conrad being away on TD (Temporary Duty).  First posting was St. Sylvestre Quebec.  In 1960 the family were posted to 1 Wing in Marville France.  We lived in the Belgian town of Virton where mom became fluent in French. 1964 brought us back to North Bay Ontario then Ramore Ontario in 1970, Chatham N.B., Ottawa then onto Moncton N.B. and to finally to Youngs Cove Waterborough N.B. where she and Conrad finally settled into their retirement home.

Marie is predeceased by her husband Conrad, parents James and Frances Craik as well as all her 13 siblings, brother in-law Bryan McNeill and his wife Harriet and Stepbrother in-law Terry McNeill. 

She is survived by her sons, Michael (Monica) of Newfoundland, Tony (Joanne) Arnprior; daughter, Patricia (Trevor) of western Canada; grandchildren, Meghan (Russ), Sarina (of Halifax), Leah (Tanner) and their mother, Wendy of Saskatchewan; Jennifer (Lisa) of Arnprior, Christina (Ashwin) of Ottawa , Scott McNeill (Allison) of Smith’s Falls; Rae McNeill and Clairese both of BC and mom’s brother in-law Laurel (Anne) McNeill.  Her ten great-grandchildren were also a great blessing and were greatly loved by her.

A Memorial Service will be held at St. Bartholomew’s church 125 MacKay Street, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, at 13:00 (1PM) on 16 June 2025, Rev. Leo Martin and Rev. Catherine Ascah officiating.  Interment will take place at 16:00 (4pm) on the same day in Beechwood’s National Military Cemetery on 280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa.  Reception to follow at 34 Granton Ave. Nepean Ontario K2G 1W8 ON.

Her love and kindness will live forever in the hearts of those she touched…