Mrs. Shirley Irene MacNeill, (nee Stewart) beloved mother and grandmother, passed away into the presence of her Lord on September 12th, 2003 at MSA Hospital (in Abbotsford). Born March 21, 1923 in North Vancouver, Shirley celebrated her 80th birthday earlier this year.
Predeceased in 1981 by her husband Archie. Shirley is survived by their 7 children; Dennis (Judy) of Richmond, B.C., Janet Collins (David) of Richmond, B.C., Marvin (Theresa) of Abbotsford, B.C., Sherene (Bobby) Suggs of Birmingham, Alabama, Arleigh (Susan) of Yarrow, B.C., Verna (Jim) Forsyth of Richmond, B.C. and Lori (David) Hannis of Abbotsford, B.C.; 16 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Shirley is also survived by her brother Melvin Stewart (Audrey) of Abbotsford, B.C. and sister Lois Gosling of Abbotsford, B.C. and Jean Slipiec of Windsor, ON and a predeceased sister Eleanor in 1979.
Shirley grew up on Sumas Prairie, her childhood home, on what is now Birchwood Dairy. She married Archie in 1942 and together they operated a large dairy farm on Nelles Road and raised their family until 1968 when they sold the farm and moved into town. Shirley was very involved in church activities and was always ready to give a helping hand to those in need. She loved to knit and crochet and many of her family's homes are graced with her beautiful afghans. She spent many years as housemother at Park View Villa Society, where she enjoyed meeting and helping elderly tenants. In 2000, she was honoured as one of Abbotsford's pioneers.
Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, September 17th, 2003 at 11:00 a.m. at Abbotsford Pentecostal Assembly, 3145 Gladwin Road, Abbotsford, with Pastors Bert Liira and Jack Keys officiating. Interment to follow at Musselwhite cemetery.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Harder, the nursing staff at MSA Hospital 2 West and the Worthington Pavilion for their kindness and compassion in caring for Mom during her illness.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the B.C. Cancer Foundation in memory of Shirley.
HENDERSON'S FUNERAL HOME 604-854-5534