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VICTORIA HOPE MACNEIL
Date of Passing: May 05, 2012
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryVICTORIA HOPE MACNEIL Her family with her, Hope left this world to be with the Lord on May 5, 2012. Our lives will be forever enriched by her love. Remaining to carry on her legacy of love are her husband and the love of her life, Dan; her children Neil (Barb), Barry (Carmelle), Theresa (Keith) and daughter-in-law Lorraine; and her beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters Joy, Lil and Mae, and all of the other family and friends whom she always held in her heart. Going before her were her parents, Bill and Violet Olson; her beloved son Blair; and so many others who will be overjoyed at having her back with them now. Hope would always say that she was spoiled rotten from the day she was born. She lived her life with that feeling of gratitude. It was never about things, but rather about a feeling of being surrounded by people who loved her, and that she was able to love back many times over. Her life had two great centres. One was her faith life. When she reflected on the love of God, she would say that she could not get over that He loves me THAT much?! The other was her husband, Dan. With a naughty gleam in her eye, she would tell how she set her sights on him when he got off the bus in Lundar, chased and caught him, and never stopped chasing him throughout the 52 years of their marriage. She was still flirting with him to the very end - marvelous! No simple recounting of her life could ever capture her essence. Rather, it was the feeling we all had when we were with her. She loved, loved, loved people. Visiting Hope and Dan at their home or at the cabin meant open arms, lots of food and drink, and even more sharing and laughter. In her teaching career, her students always knew that they were loved for themselves first; she wanted to teach them - the subjects were just a good way to help them grow and learn. And, toward the end of her life when she and Dan were in the Betel Personal Care Home, she sought out and spent time with other residents who needed someone to not just care for them, but to care about them. Hope's life was not without pain. There were various physical ailments, the loss of family members (especially Blair), and her long battle with depression. She persevered with courage and an inner strength, always buttressed by her husband and family and friends, and based in her faith. One of her adopted granddaughters (she adopted so many into her family!) was asked to describe various family members in one word each. When it came to Hope, there was no hesitation: Love . Exactly. A prayer vigil will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 9 at Immaculate Conception parish in Fisher Branch. The funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 10, again at Immaculate Conception, with a lunch reception afterward at the Centennial Hall in Fisher Branch. Interment at Immaculate Conception Cemetery will follow this reception. The family would like to thank everyone who loved Hope, and allowed her to love them back. She will be with all of us always, until that glorious day when we are reunited. God bless you all.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 09, 2012
Condolences & Memories (16 entries)
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I was thinking about Mrs MacNeil just today, only to find out she passed away. I have fond memories of her, wonderful humor and an infectious smile. - Posted by: Jason Plishka (Former student) on: Nov 23, 2012
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Such a dear sweet lady. During my entire school years with Barry, not a single year was missed on Valentine's when he would come to school with Mrs MacNeil's Valentine Heart cake topped with cinnamon hearts ! I will never forget her laugh, and her kindness and warmth to all who knew her. My deepest sympathies to the MacNeil family. - Posted by: Kelly Smith (Family Friend) on: May 11, 2012
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Your mother will always be remembered for the love she showed to everyone. She will be truly missed. But now she will be an awesome angel in heaven. - Posted by: Ed Levandoski and family (good friends) on: May 11, 2012
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My Deepest Sympathy to Dan and to the family of the Late Hope Macneil. My prayer and thoughts are with yous at this time of sorrow. Sincerely Mary Ptashynski - Posted by: Mary Ptashynski (an acquaintance from hauling school children to F,B. school.) on: May 10, 2012
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We could not believe it when we heard of her death. She was so pleasant to speak to when we came to visit my husband's mom at Betel. She sounded like a very special lady and we can tell that, by her caring ways to the other residents and visitors at Betel. Our prayers are with the family. - Posted by: Rick & Lorraine West (our mom was in Betel with Hope) on: May 10, 2012
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My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sadness. Her legacy of love will always be with you. - Posted by: Lise Cyr () on: May 10, 2012
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When we think of Hope we think of laughter and fun. Our family has lost a wonderful presence. Please know we are thinking of you. Wish we could be there to deliver hugs in person! xo - Posted by: Curtis, Glenna and Garrett MacNeil (nephew) on: May 10, 2012
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Hope & I attended MTC the same year & what fun we had. It was a joy to attend her wedding, she was so happy. I last visited with Hope in Oct. /10 at Betel in Selkirk. What fun we had re-connecting. She had the same outlook that she had 50 years ago, she was truly an amazing person. May she rest in peace. Joan Moyer (Johnstone) - Posted by: Joan Moyer (friend) on: May 10, 2012
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To the family I offer my Sympathy. As a student I have so many fond memories. Mrs. MacNeil was so easy to make laugh and cry. She was always humming and laughing. Loved her giggle. - Posted by: Sheila (Past Student) on: May 10, 2012
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I so enjoyed my visit to Hope and Dan's when I worked as a Home Care Nurse, in Fisher Branch. She truly was an inspiration. Treasure the memories. Rest in peace Hope. - Posted by: Joanne Bouchard (Friend) on: May 10, 2012
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There has never been a smile or giggle as contagious as Hope's. You could talk to her about anything at all at anytime. She'd be the best off listeners. She helped my mom tremendously when our dad was suffering from alzheimers and the end was near. She taught our children to be kind to one another! I hope she rests well knowing her job here on earth is complete and her next journey is one of peace, happiness, good health & the family & friends that been looking forward to her arrival. - Posted by: Cindy Anderson & Terry Wallack (Frienfs) on: May 09, 2012
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We send Our Deepest Sympathy - Posted by: Karen and Don Ciemny (Karen Kon) (Friend of the family) on: May 09, 2012
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Drar Keith and theresa im very sad your mom i heard We called you I am worked at bus terminals finished 7:00pm We have new bike ride 21 speed they have tired to home, I.m good bike We like bike ride 21 speed CCM green and gold I will be going to Winnipeg Goldeyes open May 29 we will be Baseball game tickets not yet Tomorrow I am work at 4:00pm Im home Leave at 2:45pm to Bus terminals Thank you Danny Klus - Posted by: Danny Klus (Shaw Cable) on: May 09, 2012
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To Hope's Family May the Lord comfort you in this time of sorrow. I have fond memories of Hope when I taught at FBC. Her smile and contagious laugh will be a memory I will hold dear. She was an awesome woman with the biggest heart ever. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of loss. - Posted by: Janice Schwartz (co-worker) on: May 09, 2012
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To the families of Hope, my sincere sympathy of the loss of your mom and grandma. I have known Hope since I was a kid and never forgot her smile and her laughter. She was a ray of sunshine when we would visit. Remember her and always keep her close to your hearts as she was a terrific person. - Posted by: michelle hazelton(knee Brocker) (friend ) on: May 09, 2012
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Dear Barry and family, May the memories of your beloved Mom comfort you and help to see you through this sad time. Sending my heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. Sincerely, Eloise. - Posted by: Eloise Lord (Friend) on: May 09, 2012