Obituary of Darlene Wendy McNeil

 Of Halifax (Kline Heights)

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Darlene Wendy McNeil (Drysdale), on Sunday March 15, 2020 at the QEII. Darlene was first and foremost a family woman; a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. She will be sorely missed by many. Darlene was the matriarch of her family, generous and compassionate, her door and her heart were open to all – including family, friends and students; no one was turned away. One of Darlene’s great joys was watching her children and grandchildren playing various sports. Darlene loved spending time at the Family Cottage at Lake Torment in East Dalhousie. She loved fires outside, getting away for the weekend, tinkering on the property and making a to-do list for Trev.  

Darlene loved to host Sunday Family suppers – where any topic was open for discussion.  We will surely miss her cooking and treats. She loved Thursday night coffee with the Golden Girls – Alice & Gail, along with partaking in their new found passion of travelling – making it to Nashville & Cuba. She would insist the Golden Girls complete their bucket list of places to visit. Darlene also enjoyed spending time at “Camp Cavendish” with the neighbors, whom she loved as family. She dearly enjoyed her new found passion in catering (At a Moment’s Notice) for the Cathedral Church and Diocese.

Darlene worked at Glades Lodge for many years where she met her husband Michael McNeil. Both Darlene & Mike were strong Union Activists. She later moved on to work at St. Mary’s University for over 10 years, retiring from SMU in 2016.  Most recently, her greatest passion was working at the Cathedral Church of All Saints on Cathedral Lane in Halifax. She was a dedicated employee and dearly loved by her church community.

She is survived by children J.R. (Urusula), Emily (Trevor), her beloved grandchildren, Anthony, Brandon, and their mother Melissa, Chase and Callie Rose, siblings Paula (Kirk) and David (Karen) and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Frederick Drysdale, Genevieve (MacDonald), her loving husband, Mike McNeil in 2016, sister Linda, and brothers Ralph (Buzzy) and Frederick (Freddy).

Arrangements are under the care of J. Albert Walker Funeral Home.  Visitation and funeral services at the Anglican Diocesan Centre will be held at a time and date to be announced.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cathedral Church of All Saints. Special thanks to Father Paul, Nurses and Doctors of the QEII, 7.4 for her final days of care and support to the family. “It is what it is….”