FUNERAL HOME

T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel

755 George Street

Sydney, Nova Scotia

Rita MacNEIL Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Apr. 17, 2013.

Offer your thoughts and condolences on the life and death of Rita MacNeil, a former singer-songwriter from small-town Canada.

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502 Entries

June 6, 2017

Valenda Newell

August 3, 2016

Cathrina Mugford

I just found this online and am not sure if I ever signed it and wanted to make sure that I did.
She was a lovely woman both in song and heart. I am sure that your hearts have been filled with sorrow but know that she has left a huge legacy! RIP sweet angel

April 20, 2014

Erma Siteman

Locked Diary

When you loose a loved one
the Diary is neglected
You forgot what it contained
awhile ago
The Mystery is ,where is the key
perhaps in Spirts keeping
Shall we leave it there
put it all to rest
Will then our strength be whole?

Erma Siteman/Addison

April 19, 2014

Florence Kerr

You were one in a million, in so many ways, to so many people...a legend in your time here on Earth. Rest in peace Dear Rita. For you we will keep the candle burning 'til we all meet again on that beautiful shore.

October 3, 2013

Rita what a wonderful entertainer you were. You made your homeland of Cape Breton come alive to people far away like myself in Sydney Australia. Your music brought me joy, happiness and peace and I was so happy to actually see the Tea Rooms when we travelled through Canada. God bless you, peace always rest in peace - your music is a joy the words bring Cape Breton and Canada alive - there will never be anyone else like you - God rest in peace Julie Waller Sydney Australia

October 3, 2013

Julie Waller

August 7, 2013

Jennie

Rest in peace Rita i will always remember you from the letters i received
from you the lovely music and your gorgeous voice,just reading your
tributes as i was on your website looking for cd's and read about your death
i can't believe it. You will always be in my heart and i will always play your music.You will always be the best angel.
Rest in Peace Rita. Jennie Gore. Great Malvern. Worc's. UK

June 16, 2013

Carol MacLean

May has passed, I should have been wishing you a Happy Mother's Day, and yes, a big Happy Birthday. I should be looking forward to your shows, but that is only a thought now.

Today is two months, you are missed. This is for you, my dear friend.

"Her Way"

She set the stage
She wrote her thoughts
She sang a song

She made you laugh
She made you listen
She made you cry

She had the last word
She had the last laugh
She had the last invite

This was Classic Rita
This was Intimate Rita
This was Loved Rita

Cape Breton's Lady
A gifted Lady
A gracious Lady

"She Did it Her Way"

penned the day after Rita's funeral.....April 23, 2013 by Carol MacLean

May 26, 2013

John King

your music will live on forever in our hearts and souls. The songs you made will be played and sung for all of time Rita dear. Rest In Peace sweet , sweet Rita darling, i will keep you in my heart until my dying day and will meet you on the other side. God Bless You...........John and Eileen King, Goderich ,Ontario, Cape Bretoners.

May 24, 2013

Ruth Jeffeerson

Rest in Peace Rita, your music will live forever in the hearts of many Canadians. Our condolences to the family. M&R Jefferson, Innisfail AB

May 20, 2013

Rob McAleer

God needed another angels voice for his choir and chose you Rita. Your beautiful voice will play on here on earth through all your wonderful songs.

May 17, 2013

KJ

Rest in Peace Rita. Your voice will enhance the Angel's Choir

May 15, 2013

CHARLES BOSSELMAN

TO RITA MACNEIL THE FIRST LADY OF CAPE BRETON. YOU WILL BE MISSED.CAPE BRETON IS SAD TODAY WITH LOVE CHARLIEBOSSELMAN MALDEN MASS

May 7, 2013

anna cavanagh

MAY GODBLESS THIS LOVELY LADY HER SONGS WILL LIVE ON FOREVER YOU WILL BE MISSED VERY MUCH MAY YOU REST IN PEACE RITA MACNIEL GODBLESS ANNA CAVANAGH PORTHAWKESBURY NOVA SCOTIA

May 7, 2013

anna cavanagh

May 6, 2013

BETTYANN CAPOGRECO

MY CONDOLENCES TO YOUR FAMILY. YOU WILL BE SADLY MISSED.

April 29, 2013

Jean Ferguson

I am considered Rita 's biggest fan , saw many of her concerts here in Ontario , the best being at Ontario Place .I even have a picture of her & I while she was signing her cd for me .Much of her life mirrored my own , raising children on my own , being from Cape Breton , only I was at Sears & she at Eatons. ! I have all her cd's & so many have such great meaning for me , God rest her soul , she brought so much happiness to so many .My deepest sympathy to her family & she will live on in her wonderful songs . Jean Ferguson

April 29, 2013

Colleen GrahamNorth

April 28, 2013

anna CAVANAGH

I enjoy very much listening to most of RITA MACNEILS songs she was such a beautiful singer she will be missed very much. She was such a beautiful lady may GODBLESS THIS BEAUTIFUL KIND ANGEL REST IN PEACE

April 27, 2013

My husband and I attended a concert of her and Frank Mills in Surrey two years ago. It was wonderful. She has cetainly been one of Canada's great singers and will be sadly missed by all. Lila Worms Delta BC

April 26, 2013

anna cavanagj

GODBLESS YOU RITA MACNEIL. ANNA CAVANAGH PORTHAWKESBURY NOVA SCOTIA

April 26, 2013

Linda Pearson

I am shocked and saddened to hear the passing of Rita. I never had the opportunity to see her in concert but did see her in person one year when I flew by Air Canada home to Cape Breton for the Xmas Holidays. Her music is always playing in our family homestead up til this day. There will never be another talented artist with such a beautiful voice and loved Cape Breton the way Rita have.
She will be sadly missed by her family, friends and the people of Cape Breton.

Laura, Wade and family my Heartfelt and Deepest Sympathy to you all during this difficult time.

God Bless,
Linda Pearson

April 25, 2013

Anna Cavanagh

Thank you so kindy for your beautiful songs . I cant stop singing Your Flying On Your Own. I wil never forget you Rita MacNeil you are such a beautiful kind lady. May Godbless You Rest In Peace Anna Cavanagh PortHawkesbury Nova Scotia

April 25, 2013

A true treasure and a beautiful soul indeed. I met Rita in 1984-85 when I worked at the Darily News in Hfx. She had come in for an interview with the entertainment editor. All the interview rooms were being used and he took Rita to the lunchroom to wait. I went on break and joined them at the lunchroom table. Being a chatter box I started a conversation and we talked about our children etc. and had a wonderful chat. I had no idea who she was and it never really mattered. I just was having a great visit with a warm gentle, timid lady and we both loved it.. Then the entertainment person told me she was there for an interview and because of our chat he had very little to ask her. We all chuckled about that. A "real" person and a true bluenoser. A beautiful gentle soul and a beautiful spirit. Penny Snell NS

April 25, 2013

Carolyn Smith

Rita, you have touched so many hearts with your songs.
It was such a privilege to have seen you in Concert and to visit your Tea House. Your songs kept me strong during some tough times.
God be with you. The Best is Yet to come!

Posted by Carolyn Smith

April 25, 2013

Sandra Jordan

What a great lady she was. loved her and her beautiful singing voice. RIP lovely lady.

April 25, 2013

Patti LeBlanc

To all of Rita's family. The world has lost a very unique and wonderful voice. She loved what she did and gave to the world. She will be missed. Sympathies to you all.

April 25, 2013

Sharon & Greg Chamberlain

Our family sends our heartfelt sympathy to all the family. We loved Rita's music and concerts we watched on TV. We were not so fortunate to have met her in person but know that she was wonderful in all she did and represented. We enjoyed visiting her Tea Room. She will be sadly missed but heaven gained an Angel. God be with you all.

April 25, 2013

Marie (Hillier) Zokol

I saw Rita and the Men of the Deeps at Expo 87 in Vancouver.
Even now, when I hear " Working Man" it brings tears to my eyes.
My father was a coal miner in Cape Breton ...and this song reminds me of him.
Thank you for that.
May you rest in peace, Rita, now and forever. Amen

April 24, 2013

I loved Rita. She's an amazing woman. R.I.P. Be free and fly with the angels. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. God Bless You. Rita, you will never be forgotten.

April 24, 2013

We extend our deepest thoughts and prayers .to all of Rita's family. She was our favourite singer. Canada has lost a great Lady.
Marguerite Burris St Marys Ontario

April 24, 2013

Rita was one of my favourite singers.will always treasure her
replay letter she sent to me.
my sympathy and prayers to all her family
Darlene

April 24, 2013

My heart goes out to Rita's dear daughter and family.
The only thing larger than Rita's talent was her generosity. We will continue to appreciate "The First Lady of Song". We had the pleasure of hearing her and the Men of the Deep in Hamilton ON.
Lucille Robertson, Niagara Falls ON

April 23, 2013

Donna-Lee Tynski

I extend my deepest sympathy to all of Rita's family during this sad time in their lives. It is never easy to lose someone we love so dearly. Rita was a very special lady and loved by so many including myself. My very first cd I ever received was a cd by Rita!! I cherish that cd and many other cds I have of her lovely music. Rita's songs made me proud to be a Cape Bretoner and I know she was proud of that fact as well. My mom and I always enjoyed Rita's music and were blessed to attend many of her concerts. She always put on a great show. She was just such a beautiful lady with a heart of gold and had such a gift for writing and singing so many lovely songs. Certainly she will live on in all her lovely music and in all of the special memories we all have of her. Rest in peace dear sweet Rita and may God hold you in the palm of His hand!!

April 23, 2013

My sincere condolences to the family.Such a angel.May she rest in peace.

Patricia Mahil
Toronto

April 23, 2013

Tanya Brown

may god hold you and let you sing all day and all night.

April 23, 2013

She was a beautiful lady,loved her singing and such a beautiful soul.I'm sure
she's at peace and singing with the angles.We will miss her.My sympaties to
all.God Bless You!
Emily Scott,Yarmouth N.S.

April 23, 2013

Gloria Parkyn

to Rita's friends,fans and family my sincere condolences.Thank you to her daughter for sharing Rita's words in the service.God bless you all.

April 23, 2013

Jane Sweatman

Rita was one of the loveliest and unspoiled entertainers of all time. What a gem. Her voice was that of an angel.

April 23, 2013

Valerie Ann MacKenzie

Posted by Valerie Ann MacKenzie

April 23, 2013

Valerie Ann MacKenzie

Posted by Valerie Ann MacKenzie

April 23, 2013

Valerie Ann MacKenzie

My sincere sympathy to Rita's family. They have lost a very wonderful Mother, Grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend.

I loved Rita's music and I had enjoyed the concerts that I was able to get in Edmonton and Fort McMurray, Alberta.

In November 1992, she came to Fort McMurray to sing at the Keyano Foundation Gala. I was absolutely thrilled, after the concert, to have my picture taken with her.

Her song, "Working Man" is my absolute favourite, as it always reminded me of my dear Uncle Michael MacNeil, who had been a miner in #26 in Glace Bay.

May all the very wonderful memories that you all have, help you all in the difficult days ahead.

God love and bless you all and keep you all always in His care.

Many thanks for sharing your Mom, Rita, with us.

Sincerely,
Valerie Ann

April 22, 2013

Murray & Catherine Steele

Please accept our deepest condolences. Rita was truly an inspiration to many and will live on in our hearts forever. Her music was heartfelt and will live on. RIP Rita.

April 22, 2013

Rita made me proud to be a Nova Scotian. She inspired me to take what life has handed me and be the best that I can be. I wish I had had the chance to meet her and shake her hand. I will hold her in my heart and raise my cup of tea.
Abigail Smith
Edmonton, AB

April 22, 2013

Darlene Rowe

Our deepest sympathy to Rita's family.

Being away from my home in NL,for the past 27 years, Rita you have gotten me through ALOT of homesickness. I can relate to you soo much.Christmas will never b the same.You will live on in my heart forever.Love you Rita & I will miss you dearly.

April 22, 2013

Jill Higgins

Thank you for the wonderful music from a beautiful lady. Condolences to her family. The world will miss you, Rita.

April 22, 2013

The voice of an angel, she will be missed. My condolences to the MacNeil family. God Bless

April 22, 2013

Coline MacDonald

Deepest sympathy to Rita's children, grandchildren and all the family. I had the privilege of seeing Rita in concert four times (once at the Big Pond outdoor concert). I have been to the Tea Room twice and once had my picture taken with her - something I will treasure forever. Rita was one of a kind - humble, sensitive, kind and so very, very talented. She will live in my heart and my memory forever. RIP beautiful lady.

April 22, 2013

Pauline Cable

My deepest sympathy to the McNeil family and to all at the Tea Room. I was most fortunate to have met Rita, and I will cherish that memory for ever. She was a wonderful lady with the voice of an angel and she will be sadly missed.

Posted by Pauline Cable

April 22, 2013

Stu+Elaine Lach

Our deepest sympathy to the McNeil family and to all at the Tea Room.We've all lost a wonderfull lady. We'll always cherish our memories of our visits with Rita and everyone there.

April 22, 2013

marea sherring

i am so sorry to hear of Rita's passing. the world has lost a great singer and a great person. my husband and i went to every one of her concerts when she performed in toronto. she will truly be missed. my thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time. god bless.

April 22, 2013

Joan Okulich

Deepest condolences to Rita's family. Voice like an angel, in god's hands now. RIP-heavens gain and our loss. Blessings

April 22, 2013

What a sad day to hear of the passing of my very favorite singer and story teller. I have attended all her shows in Thunder Bay, Ontario. She was such a warm person and I enjoy listening to her tapes which I have many of. I am sure the family will miss her dearly, but memorise will keep you strong. R.I.P. dear Rita ... we will all miss you. Bless the family & close friends. Judy Swanson Red Rock, ON.

April 22, 2013

Hattie Creamer

My deepest sympathy to Rita's family; Another Angel has been called home to sing in Heaven's choir, Rita's music and songs will be forever remembered in our hearts. R.I.P. Rita

April 22, 2013

My family was deeply saddened by the passing of Rita MacNeil. We remember about 25 or so years ago that she came and performed at our local high school. A true legend who will be missed. Our deepest sympathy to her family and friends.
Charles and Maureen Fraser
Sherbrooke,N.S.

April 22, 2013

Rachelle McNeil

Dear Rita MacNeil:
you were an angel a really big blessing to the music industry and my dad who was Philip mcneil gave me the pleasure of meeting you! :) its terrible to hear that u have passed away and my deepest condolences to your family!
Rachelle McNeil

April 22, 2013

Elizabeth Richardson

I would like to send my codolences to Rita family. Through her beautiful music and interview on T.V. I got to know her as a warm and beautiful lady. I"m sure she is singing with the angels in Heven..

April 22, 2013

Deborah Bell

My Mother Hilda Currie. Cape Breton Born, has cherished Ritas music as it has touched us deeply ,and made her feel as though the ocean were in her heart right here in Ontario. My Mothers heart has never left Nova Scotia. treasures.Rita You Have Taught a multitude of people throughout the world what Strength Truly is. You are a Blessing and I for one along with our large family, will Miss you Greatly. "Home I'll Be" In Heaven! Well Done Rita!

April 22, 2013

Pauline Lutes

Rita was a wonderful woman and a terrific person. Enjoyed her songs, her tea room and her wonderful spirit. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. She will be missed by everyone that has meet her along her journey her on earth.

April 22, 2013

Tammie Thompson

My deepest condolences to Wade and the rest of Rita's family. Rita's music was the most influential music of my life growing up in Cape Breton, and it has always been a link for me to the home I love. She was a beautiful, gentle woman and she will be dearly missed by all. Rest in peace, Rita.

April 22, 2013

Helen Pylypow

Rita was a great person and we will miss her beautiful singing, She had the voice of an angel and the heavenly choir has just become more beautiful because of her presence . We will always treasure the memories of our visit to her Tea House and the lovely souvenirs we brought home with us. Our sincere condolences to her family and friends. Rest in Peace Rita, we love you and will miss you.
Sincerely,
Leonard and Helen Pylypow
Box 305,
Glaslyn, Sk. S0M 0Y0 Canada.

April 22, 2013

C. Clearie

She took my breath away that magical day at Expo 86. She has the voice of an angel. A true Canadian icon! We will miss her deeply.

April 22, 2013

Delore Mulvihill

A Beautiful Woman and A Beautiful Voice Now In Heaven Singing With The Angels.
“Those we love must someday pass beyond our present sight...must leave us and the world we know without their radiant light. But we know, that like a candle their lovely light will surely shine to brighten up another place more perfect...more divine. And in the realm of Heaven where they shine so warm and bright our beloved ones live forevermore in God's eternal light.“ J. Delore Mulvihill CN Rail Retired, Windsor, ON.,

April 22, 2013

Carol Adshade

To the family of Rita,on behalf of my family,I would like to send our condolences.We have lost an amazing singer,a spokesperson for Nova Scotia through her songs.
Carol Adshade & family. Bible Hill,Nova Scotia

April 22, 2013

Michael Miller

On the docks of Lunenburg one morning, I helped Rita with her shoes, held them while she performed as they were too tight. I saw myself in the background of a news report as an onlooker in awe of her great talent. What a wonderful woman. I can tell you that at Christmastime, Rita will always be present with her sweet gifts of music. Love and Peace to all family.
Michael J. Miller, Halifax, Nova Scotia

April 22, 2013

Richard Gervais

To Rita's Family & Friends... On behalf of my wife, Danielle, my mom, Georgette (now deceased), I would like to offer our deepest condolences for your loss. My mom passed away on October 8, 2012, and I mention her because she knew Rita a very long time ago and occasionally kept in touch with her. Now, my Mom and Rita are making beautiful harmonies together in heaven. As with all the world, we too enjoyed Rita's beautiful voice and the wonderful stories that came across in her songs & music. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.

April 22, 2013

Terri (Sparky) Johnson

My Dearest Rita,
A gifted Angel you are, and a gifted Angel you will"Always" be. You have touched the lives of so many world wide making the imprint as "Footprints in the Sand." Know that the world and those in it have been gifted and blessed by your presence and voice. As was my life when you came into it back in the early 90's. Your inspiration courage and life will for always be cherrished and remembered. Not only by the existance of your human nature, works, spirit and kindness, but by the cherrished memories, words, legacies, family, fans and friends you have touched along your journey. You have not left us behind so I will not say Good Bye, but rather you have left us the gift of your life to carry on and to remember and keep you alive by.
My heart will be with you always, as my prayers of grace and serenity is with your family always and now even more in their time of loss. Peace be with you as you join the voice of the Heavenly Angels above.

April 22, 2013

Ollie Douma

Rita was one of a kind. I will cherish my photos of her and I together and her kind words of encouragement that she emailed me after reading a book of poetry I wrote and gave a copy of to her. Unfortunately I did not have a printer at the time so was unable to have a copy but I will remember her words forever. She was a lady who cared about her fans and their lives. She will be missed so very much by so many people. Heaven has a special angel now welcoming everyone with her angelic voice. What a legacy she has left for her family. RIP dear lady you will never be forgotten......Ollie Douma

April 22, 2013

Aline & Stephen George

Our deepest condolences are with Rita's family and friends. Her powerful voice will live in us forever, she will be truly missed, however, she will rein on in Heaven... among the Angels...
R.I.P. Rita

April 22, 2013

Correen Lynch

Although I never met Rita personally, I grew up watching her become the star that she is and always will be; a star whose light will NEVER fade. On a recent trip to Florida to spend time with my family, we heard the news that she had passed, and we immediately started searching for songs of hers to listen to on the internet. Her music was always a part of our family, and always will be. She is an inspiration to many musicians who come from our island, and we are so proud of her and all of her many accomplishments in her lifetime. I am close friends with some of her immediate family members, and they are a wonderful family! They have come to be some of my best friends. My prayers go out to them, and all those who knew her. May she forever soar over the Bras d'Or, crooning to the angels!

April 22, 2013

Our deepest sympathy is extended to Rita's family and special friends. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Diane (Morrison) & Mike Lachowiez

April 22, 2013

Rita...what a wonderful woman and a powerful inspiration for me...her music helped me get through the loss of my son Jimmy in 1991..thanks for being you.
Eva

April 22, 2013

Angela Hinchliffe

Such a gracious lady blessed with a wonderful voice. She brought so much joy to people through her music. I no longer live in Nova Scotia but it will always be my "home" and as such was always happy to claim Rita as one of our own home-grown gems. People on the Prairies loved her and mourn her passing,as do I.

April 22, 2013

Beverly Bell

To all those family and friends of Rita McNeil I wish to express my sincere thoughts and prayers at our loss!
My Mother was born and raised in Nova Scotia.....however even though I live in Alberta I believe we have lost a true Canadian ICON!
Rita's music has given me such pleasure joy and strong emotion for ever so long!
I have enjoyed watching her in concert. My favourite has been her Christmas broadcasts.
Rita I will miss you and thank you for the music!
Beverly Bell, Birchcliff Alberta Canada

April 22, 2013

Lee Stanley

I would like to extend my condolences to Wade and Laura and the rest of Rita's family. I traveled many miles and had many laughs as her Tour Manager in the late 80's and early 90's. She was a special lady and we'll be missed by many. I'm sorry I want be able to attend the services but we'll be thinking of you guys.
Lee Stanley/Peggy Milsom

April 22, 2013

we truly lost amazing singer are lost is heaven gain,praying for Rita's family.God Blessings on you all,RIP Rita,

April 22, 2013

Wanda & James Porter

Our deepest condolences are with Rita's family & friends at this very sad time. Her powerful voice was that of an angel & she will be remembered forever through her wonderful stories in song. RIP Rita

Posted by Wanda & James Porter

April 22, 2013

xxx

April 22, 2013

Tony - Jon Cameron - Cyster

To the family of Rita, We are saddened to hear of your loss, in 2011 we visited Rita's tea room and was planning on returning in 2015 to hopfully meet Rita in person. We will still return to say hello We really love her music she was such an inspiration to us. Love from Tony & Jon Adelaide South Australia.

April 22, 2013

Joseph Darrigan

Never to be forgotten,a woman of courage and a powerful presents,i especially loved her Christmas specials it was always part of mine,i remember seeing her once,AMAZING! Thank you for your Music,YOU will be missed.
God bless you and your family at this time.

April 22, 2013

thelma macgregor

may you rest in peace rita,your music was a great part off our family,from a former cape bretioner.

April 22, 2013

Lisette Gallibois

Over the years my husband and I spent some wonderful moments with Rita. She will always remain in our hearts. Her music plays on in our home. Our most sincere sympathies to Wade and Laura and all the MacNeil families. Wish we could have made been beside you all throughout this celebration of Rita's life. Our thoughts and prayers will remain with you! RIP Rita!

April 22, 2013

Deb Zinnick

Voice of an angel, we love Rita's music and watched her TV program, thank-you Rita for your music and beautiful soul. Deepest sympathy and God Bless to Rita's family and friends, RIP Rita, sing with the angles...

April 22, 2013

Mary MORIARTY

My deepest sympath to Rita Macnei's family . Her legacies will live on. She had such a wonderful voice. Sincerly Mary morisrty

April 22, 2013

Richard Mahoney

Rita Mac Neil - condolences to the family of Rita Mac Neil on her passing. I have great memories of her occasional visits to Mc Knights Music when I had the business years ago . She was so highly recognized far and wide.

April 22, 2013

cora leblanc

an angel has flown up to heaven rest in peace rita

April 22, 2013

Our sincere sympathy to Rita's family and friends! I would like to share with her family a fond memory of Rita. When our youngest son was young he was very much aware of who Rita was since he heard his Mom playing her music all the time. We went to the grocery store one afternoon and who did we see -Rita. My son said there's Rita,I'm going to ask her for her autograph. He went up to Rita and asked her for her autograph.She didn't have a piece of paper so she tore a label off a can ,signed it and gave it to our son.He came back to me with a smile as big as the sun and said I got Rita'a autograph.I have never forgotten her kindness to our child and have thought to myself she is truly a kind mother and friend.Rest in peace Rita.Your music will live on in our hearts forever!!! Mary,Walter MacMillan&family(Sydney)

April 22, 2013

Jimmy and Sylvia Flynn

Our deepest sympathy to the MacNeil family on their loss. Rita was one of the sweetest souls we have ever met. We will miss her but she will live on in our hearts and in her songs. Our thought and prayers are with her family.

April 22, 2013

Ada Rodway

you were a role model to us women,will miss your singing.

April 22, 2013

Rest In Peace Rita. Joe&June Kowalski

April 22, 2013

Natalie Bona

I left Cape Breton for Halifax in 1994 to go to university and beyond my vacations and long weekends at home, I seldom go back. Like many, I didn't appreicate where I came from until I started seeing it in the rearview mirror. Rita's music and the music she inspired from other Cape Breton artists gave and continues to give many of us who have had to leave the Island, comfort and joy and pride. To this day, at 37 years old I still tear up at "Home I'll Be" and I suspect I will til I'm back home in Cape Breton. Rita not only made it ok to be proud of being a Cape Bretoner. She made it ok for those of us who struggled to be away and who longed for the day we could go back. Anyone who spent a summer in Cape Breton saw her there too and knew she loved and missed it as well. Thank you Rita for the comfort your music gave me. May the angels in Heaven's choir be able to keep up with you. :)

April 21, 2013

Charlotte Beaton

Where ever you at tomorrow , please take a minute to remember our first lady of Cape Breton Rita Mcneil ,RITA YOU WILL BE GREATLY MISSED, YOUR SONGS WILL ALWAYS BE ON OUR LIPS AND IN OUR HEART AND A TEAR IN OUR EYE, WHAT A WONDERFUL
AMBASSADOR TO CAPE BRETON
YOU ARE NOW SINGING IN THE HEAVENS
GOD BLESS

April 21, 2013

Jean (Wadden)Ogley

It is with great sadness to hear of Rita's passing. I and some of my sisters got to visit her tea room, but unfortunately Rita was not there at the time. But yet a few of the sisters had the pleasure of meeting your dear mom.we the Wadden family formally of Glacé Bay NS wish to sent our thoughts and prayers to you the family of a wonderful lady. She will be missed by all, yet her music will live on forever in our hearts.
Jean(Wadden)Ogley and many sisters.

April 21, 2013

RIP Rita Loved your beautiful voice and The Men Of The Deep. So many memories of A True Canadian. Peggy Dase (Pincher Creek AB)

April 21, 2013

Maureen and Dwayne Bowkowy

Our deepest sympathy is extended to Rita's family. Canada has suffered the great loss of a very remarkable woman. Her powerful voice was that of an angel and she will be missed deeply. RIP Rita. You will be remembered forever through your wonderful stories in song!

April 21, 2013

Tracy Shepherd

God Bless you Rita. May your voice live with us forever. RIP

April 21, 2013

DENISE /CHARLEY MCDOUGALL

REST IN PEACE IT WAS A PLEASURE MEETING YOU

April 21, 2013

Edna Hotte Benoit

I've seen a lot of her perfomances and even visited her Tea Room at Big Pond
which I purchased a few of her tea cups, tea cosy and etc.
Loved her way of siging and will miss her a lot.
Cape Breton you have lost the an...Icon.
My condolences to the MacNeil Family to me she was my..Idol
Edna Hotte Benoit( SudburyOntario)

April 21, 2013

Carol and Art Hintz

Rita was an angel and also an amazing singer. We loved her music and were honored to attend three of her concerts which we loved. She will be missed and remembered always. Our sympathy to her family.

April 21, 2013

wayne cavanaugh

Rita you will live forever in everbodys heart.We never met but I"am the Dry Cleaner who has drycleaned you clother for some years and if we had ever met I was going to tell you that I felt famous knowing that I played a small part in your life.God bless you Rita and your falimy.

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for Rita MacNEIL

Funeral services provided by:

T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel

755 George Street, Sydney, NS B1P1L4

How to support Rita's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

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Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

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Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

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What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

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Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

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Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

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The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

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Ways to honor Rita MacNEIL's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

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Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

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How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

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