Theresa Marie Neil (LeMoal)

March 20, 1933 – August 21, 2017

Theresa was born in the family farm home in White Star, SK., delivered by her grandmother, who was a midwife. She attended school in White Star and later in the Convent and St. Paul’s school in Prince Albert, before returning back to the farm. Theresa left home to go to work in PA in 1947. She met the love of her life, Lionel Neil, and on November 7, 1951, they eloped to Saskatoon and were married.

Lionel worked for Burns & Co. in the plant, and later in sales, which had them moving to Saskatoon, Humboldt, Calgary and back to PA, raising their family of five children, and making friends in every community. Theresa was a stay-at-home mother, caring for the children and managing the house. Throughout the years, the family spent time camping, fishing, and waterskiing at northern lakes with friends and relatives.

In 1972, they purchased land in the Christopher Lake area, and became their own pioneers, spending every hour possible out there, cutting down trees, digging roots, and whatever else needed to be done to clear the area where the house would be built. Theresa did not shy away from hard work. In 1974, they moved their family out there, living in a school bus which Lionel had converted to a motor home. It wasn’t easy, but they stuck with it until they could move into their house. Theresa loved her country home, and all the birds and wildlife that came by.

She loved spending time with several groups of ladies who did stitching and crafts. She enjoyed watching curling, and was always game for playing cards. It did not matter what Theresa did – her and her children’s clothing and hair, cooking, housekeeping, decorating gardening, crafts – everything was done to perfection!

She and Lionel treasured the time they got to spend with their only grandchild, Elizabeth, who spent the summer months with them every year until she was a teenager. “Nanny” and “Poppa” were very special in her life, too! 

Theresa had by-pass surgery and then suffered one stroke after another, beginning in the year 2000. Each stroke left her in need of more care, until she required total care. She was so fortunate to have such a devoted and loving husband who continued being her caregiver, with the help of their son Christopher. She was able to continue enjoying her home which she loved so much. In summer months, Lionel set up a screened-in gazebo on the back deck, so she was able to enjoy the outdoors. They continued caring for Theresa until spring of 2017 when she was placed in the care of Pineview Terrace in PA, where she passed away on August 21, 2017.

She was pre-deceased by her parents, Emile and Simonne (Masserey) LeMoal, her parents-in-law, Charles and Kathleen (Boyd) Neil, her beloved son Douglas Neil in 2016, her brother Charles LeMoal in 2014, and her brother-in-law, Gordon Prest Sr. (2010) and numerous other relatives and friends. She leaves to mourn her passing: her much beloved husband of almost 66 years, Lionel Neil Sr.; her children: son Lionel (Cynthia) Neil Jr., daughter Sabrah (Ron) Moir, son Christopher Neil, and son Clifford Neil; her beloved granddaughter, Elizabeth (Lucas) Pawelczyk; her sister Marie (John) Hazelton; two sisters-in-law, Doreen LeMoal and Peggy Prest; all of her extended family of nephews, nieces and more; and special friends, Bernice, Doris, Mary, and others.

She will be missed dearly by her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her. May she Rest in Peace.

A private family memorial will be held to celebrate Theresa’s life.

• Date : 2017-08-21