Hilda Sophia MACNEIL

Mrs. Hilda Sophia Boulton February 20, 1926 - August 6, 2008 - BOULTON (MacNeil), Hilda Sophia "Skip" - 82, Halifax, passed away peacefully with family by her side on August 6, 2008, in Parkland at The Lake, Dartmouth. Skip was born in Alder Point, Cape Breton, the seventh daughter of the late Peter Charles and Sophie (Doucet) MacNeil. She moved to Halifax in her early 20s and worked at the VG Hospital where she began her career in the service industry. Her friendly nature endeared her to those she worked with and for. Falling in love with Doug "the one armed bandit" and raising three kids with him provided her with some of life's toughest challenges and proudest moments. Her boundless energy in later years led her to a new career in the child care profession. To this day Skip is praised and appreciated by those she looked after. She enjoyed painting, music, dancing and long walks chatting with friends, which she continued to do well into her late 70s. Skip will be sadly missed by sons, Darrell (Colette Glazebrook), Halifax; Dana (Christina McCarron), Wellington; daughter, Wendy (Billy Walsh), Lower Sackville; sister, Theresa (Mrs. Robert Hawatson), North Sydney; grandchildren, Leslie, Holly, Jesse, Delia, Elijah, and Isabella. She was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Douglas Boulton, in 2007; sisters, Mary Lou, Minnie, Monica, Rita, Agnes, and special niece, Clara. She will be fondly remembered for her honesty, her good humour and the kindness she shared with everyone she met; not to mention her unrivaled cooking and baking skills. Skip left us as she lived, without complaints and quiet dignity in the face of sadness and trouble, with strength, courage and faith that made her the soul of our family. She gave us unconditional love, comfort and joy that we feel whenever we talk about her. Our mother is our oldest and closest friend, and she will be loved, missed and treasured forever. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Atlantic Funeral Home. Funeral service will be in St. John Vianney Church, 4 Beaverbank Rd., Lower Sackville, on Monday, August 11, at 10 a.m. Burial will be held immediately follow the service in Oakridge Memory Gardens, Lower Sackville, with reception to follow in Atlantic Funeral Home, 125 Sackville, Dr. Special thanks to the wonderful staff at Parkland for their kindness, support and professionalism. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Parkland at The Lake, Glasgow Hall, 76 Baker Dr., Dartmouth, NS B2W 0C7 (Recreation Department, Musical Entertainment).