Margaret Jane MacNeil

Margaret Jane MacNeil (nee Benoit)

March 15, 1934 - March 17, 2023

Peacefully and surrounded by her family Margaret MacNeil was called by our Lord. Her darling husband Mike of 63 years and light of her life, held her hand and kissed her for the very last time. We were all just with her, celebrating her 89th birthday. A marriage made in Heaven, these two have been inseparable, from the first time they met at a dance in Hamilton. Their marriage a true love story that we all admired and their vows held sacred. Both from Nova Scotia, they were true Maritimers with good hearts. Mike believes the secret to a good marriage is “Never go to bed angry and respect one another." Strong, determined, witty and some would say stubborn, she had her father's genes. The gentle side of loving, caring, kind and always giving was the Margaret we knew and loved. A successful supervisor from the CIBC Branch, King and James Hamilton. She recognized the strengths of her team and grew the business. Margaret and Mike both retired for 31 years enjoyed their golden years to the fullest. Travelling extensively with their friends across the world, throughout Canada and many sunny destinations. Trips to Port Dover and having a perch dinner was a highlight along with an outing to the casino. Margaret was a devote Catholic and parishioner of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Hamilton and a member of the Catholic Women's League. She prayed the rosary with Mike each night until she could no longer. Born in Antigonish Nova Scotia, to Cyril and Maggie Benoit and survived by her brother John and Elizabeth Benoit. Predeceased by sisters Mary Haley, Leona Melanson, Theresa Glova, Elva Pajeska and brothers Arthur and Donnie. Survived by many nieces and nephews. Many thanks to her niece Nada Ciavarella who saw her ring the Cancer free bell for the first time and to her goddaughter Carol Macleod also from Antigonish, who always put a smile on her face with her many cheerful phone calls. Extra special thanks to Niece Catherine and Joseph Kelly, they saw her ring the bell for the second time and have always been just a call away, with unending love, care and support. Great niece Melissa Vieceli for always checking in with her frequent visits to the home. The care she received from her oncologist Dr Lua Eiriksson at Juravinski Cancer Centre gave her hope and strength. The nurses at the Chemo clinic who kept her warm and brought treats. We are also so thankful for all the loving care at St Peter's Hospital Palliative Care Centre, you are a special gift, and your hard work does not go unnoticed. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Margaret's memory to the Canadian Cancer Society or St. Peter's Hospital. Visitation will take place Tuesday, March 21, 2023 from 2-4 p.m. and 7- 9 p.m. at P.X. Dermody Funeral Home (796 Upper Gage Ave. Hamilton, ON.). Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Most Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church (305 E 37th St, Hamilton, ON.) with refreshments to follow at Blessed Sacrament. A private cremation and family interment will follow the funeral mass.