Obituary of Ruby Jean MacNeill

Ruby Jean MacNeill passed away on March 6, 2017 at the age of 97. She was the daughter of the late Dr. John MacNeill and Mrs. Ruby (Darrah) MacNeill of Summerside, PEI. Ruby was raised and educated in Summerside on Church Street and had a lifelong friend, the late Ruth E. (Dodds) Hubley living near her. Ruby graduated from Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia in 1941. She studied Home Economics. She then went on to post graduate studies at Macdonald College, associated with McGill University in Montreal. During her career as an educator in Saint John, Ruby enjoyed sabbatical studies. This directly and positively impacted the education of secondary students in NB. She always loved her travels, where every voyage was an opportunity to visit with family and friends or build new friendships. Ruby was blessed with the extraordinary "MacNeill memory" that captured every detail of every event in her life to the amazement and delight of those around her. Ruby always wanted to accomplish as much as she could in the time available, wherever she was. This was apparent in all her professional, personal and community services. Ruby was also a fabulous photographer, especially her favourite scenes on PEI and NB. Her great pride in her Maritime heritage was always evident in the comprehensive guided tours she shared with family and friends. As much as she loved her community and friends in Saint John, all of her summers were spent at Stanley Bridge at her lovely summer cottage with open doors for visitors. Ruby is survived by cousins, close friends and acquaintances across Canada and in many varied places around the world. A special circle of faithful friends were Harry and Norma Hubley of Ottawa, Bill and Debra Leuty of Charlottetown and Paul and Jill Fanjoy of Rothesay. A celebration of Ruby’s life will be held at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424) on Saturday, March 11 at 2:00 PM. Interment will take place beside her parents in Summerside, PEI at a later date. For those who wish to pay tribute, memorial donations to Bobby’s Hospice or a charity of donor’s choice would be appreciated.