Obituary of Frances MacNeill

MacNeill, Frances Elizabeth (Carr) age 93 of Weymouth North, Nova Scotia, died peacefully at home on September 4, 2013 following many years of declining health. Fran was born at home on the kitchen table in Ardmore, Pennsylvania on February 12, 1920 to Walter deLancey Carr and Dorothy (Phair) Carr. Fran vacationed with her family for many years in Weymouth North starting in the 1930's when her parents bought property on Fort Point Road. She graduated from the Connecticut College for Women in New London and Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and then went on to become an Occupational Therapist and Assistant Dean of the Tufts School of Occupational Therapy. She retired to care for her parents in Weymouth North. In 1979, Fran married John Boyd MacNeill who passed away in 1984. Fran then moved back to the house once owned by her Aunt Constance Carr, who had started the local library in her summer kitchen where it remained for a number of years before it was moved across the road to the old post office. Fran was a member of the Church of St. Peter and St. Thomas Anglican Church in Weymouth North, where she served as treasurer, and was active in the Anglican Church Women. She was one of the founders and the first president of the Weymouth Historical Society. She was instrumental in the renovations of the Historical Society building, helping to secure funding for the project, supervising the work as it progressed, and even providing treats for the workmen. Fran was an active member of the Weymouth Garden Club and "The Golden Girls", a group of friends all born in 1920 who gathered monthly for many years to celebrate their lasting friendship. Fran was predeceased by her husband, parents and sister, Kathleen Carr Ash Cutler. She is survived by: two nephews, the Reverend Gerald A. Ash of Cincinnati, Ohio and Richard R. Ash and his wife Brenda, of New Providence, New Jersey; a niece, Elizabeth Ash Ellis and her husband Gerald of Intervale, New Hampshire; five grand-nieces and nephews; and five great-grand nephews and one great-grand-niece. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to Sheila, Doctor Westby, and all of her other care givers for their kindness and compassion, which allowed Fran to live out her life in her beloved home. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 14 at 1:00 pm at St. Peter's and St. Thomas Anglican Church in Weymouth North. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Fran's memory to St. Peter's and St. Thomas Church (c/o Parish of Digby-Weymouth, P.O. Box 1433, Digby, NS, B0V1A0) or the Weymouth Historical Society. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.serenitylindsayfuneralhome.ca. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Lindsay Funeral Home, Berwick Chapel (192 Commercial St) 538-9900.