Helen MCNEIL

HELEN ISABELLA MCNEIL Helen Isabella McNeil of Waterdown, ON passed away peacefully on January 6, 2022, at the age of 96. Devoted mother to John, loving mother-in-law to Dita, proud 'Nana' to Heather (husband Dan), Joelle (husband Scott) and Lisa (husband Tyler) and great- grandmother to Maeve, Gwenna, Everett, and Alice. She is also survived by her niece Sylvia (husband Bryan, great-nephew Ben) and nephew Brian (wife Ginette, great-niece Geneviève). She was predeceased by her sisters Jean and Eileen. Helen was born and raised in Toronto on June 16, 1925, to Christina and William McNeil. She attended Oakwood Collegiate and was the first in her family to graduate from university: University of Toronto, Victoria College where she received her Master of Arts degree in 1947. She retired as Branch Head ofthe City of Toronto's George H. Locke Memorial Branch in 1985. At the time, the Locke Branch was a breeding ground for future library leaders. Helen enjoyed spending her retirement years being with family and friends, travelling annually to Paris, and doing volunteer work including serving with Women's College Hospital. She cherished her time with her family and moved to Burlington to be closer to them where she volunteered at Knox Presbyterian Church and was an active member of the Burlington Senior's Centre. Helen's love of world history and devotion to her grandchildren saw them travel to Paris and make a memorable visit to Vimy Ridge where her father served in WW1. 'When you are lonely and sick at heart, Go to the friends we know, And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds, Miss me but let me go' A funeral will be held (for immediate family only) at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto; a memorial service for extended family and friends will follow in the spring.