Obituary of Alison Anne MacNeil

MacNeil, Alison Anne – age 43 years of Halifax, passed away suddenly from a heart problem at home on January 24, 2014. Born on February 12, 1970 at the Halifax Infirmary, Alison was the daughter of Anne Bruce and the late Norman MacNeil. Alison received her early education in Halifax. She attended the Convent of the Sacred Heart and graduated from Queen Elizabeth High School in 1987. She attained her undergraduate degrees from Kings College (BA Hons-1993) and Dalhousie University. Continuing her education in Ontario, she received her Masters of Arts in English in 1994 and her Bachelor of education in 1996 from University of Toronto. She taught school in Ontario, Northern Quebec and Halifax. Alison had many interests. She was an avid swimmer and sailor. She competed at Canada Games in Kamloops and won silver, and went on to participate in competitive sailing internationally. In her early years, she competed in highland dancing and figure skating (Halifax Skating Club) and was a member of The Amethyst Dancers and the Kathy Edgett Dancers. She will also be remembered for her singing voice and accomplished piano playing. Besides, her mother Anne Bruce she is survived by her loving cousins in Nova Scotia, Cape Breton, Ontario, Quebec, parts of United States and a wide network of international friends who knew her as a kind and gentle person along with her competitive endeavors. In keeping with the family’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2014 at 1pm from the Blessed Mother Theresa Church (formally St. Stephen’s Church, located on Normandy Dr. and Robie St.) Donations in Alison’s memory may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society c/o Blessed Mother Theresa Church or Sail Nova Scotia –Legacy Program c/o Nova Scotia Yachting Association. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.serenitylindsayfuneralhome.ca Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Lindsay Funeral Home, Coldbrook Chapel (679-2822).