Aileen Anne Beed Obituary
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, friend and honorary matriarch to many, including surviving siblings Claire, Marie and Jerry. Born in Newcastle, New Brunswick she was a daughter of the late Jeremiah & Mary (Nowlan) MacNeil.
Aileen led a happy life.
Wife to Ron for nearly 62 years. Together they raised their four children; David, Stephen (Belinda), Janet, and Karen (Michael), and nurtured their grandchildren; Justin, Nathan (Flynn), Jacob (Navanna), Stephen (Regan), Emily (Chris), Alexander, Gené, Catie and beloved great grandchildren.
She was a quiet and reserved woman, always supremely kind and generous. She was very strong willed and stubborn, a fiercely independent woman who lived her faith as a lifelong member of the Catholic church, involving herself in many volunteer organizations such as the CWL, pastoral care and the literacy network, making lifelong friendships with the other wonderful, generous and selfless ladies involved.
For Aileen there could never be enough family and friends around, those visiting the homestead rarely leaving without having had a cup of tea and a molasses cookie. She was an accomplished experimental cook, always happy to share the latest meal with anyone hungry. Staying in contact with her family was so important to her and the phone was a lifeline. Her typical greeting was "Oh, is that you?" when she was the one who made the call. We will all miss that.
Aileen had a rewarding work life as a nurse. She trained at St. Martha's in Antigonish and went on to work in many facilities locally and in Ontario. She enjoyed a varied career in many faculties such as obstetrics, geriatrics, acute care, ultimately retiring from psychiatric nursing at the Nova Scotia Hospital. She loved the person-to-person nursing care experience.
After retiring, together with Ron, Aileen enjoyed sharing many years with family and friends at their properties in the Evangeline Beach area of Nova Scotia. In those same years, she and Ron created and operated their cherished tourism business, Cahie-Neil Ireland and Scotland Bye-Way tours. There she and Ron were able to create lasting friendships and memories for so many who accompanied them.
In recent months, following hip surgery, and compounded by preexisting conditions she suffered quietly until the time came to accept the gift of a holy and peaceful passing in the home she loved with family nearby. Our family would like to thank the volunteer firefighters in Enfield and the exemplary service staff at the Big Stop who arrived to help support our mom and family while waiting for ambulance transport during that challenging time.
Her many friends have told us of how much they loved her unbound enthusiasm and positive attitude to life, her generosity, kindness and friendship. If she was able, she would be the first to meet you at the door of her service with a gentle demeanor, beautiful smile and a thank you for coming. She would want you to celebrate her life and not mourn too much for her passing knowing she is in a better place (most likely having a toast and happy reunion with her siblings John, Florence, Art and nephew Tim).
Rest in peace Mom. We love and miss you with all our hearts but know you will be greeting us again someday.
Funeral mass will be held Tuesday, August 23rd at 11 a.m. in St .John XXlll Church, Divine Mercy Parish, 35 Colby Dr., Dartmouth. Reception immediately following. The mass will be live streamed at: divinemercyparishdartmouthn.s-youtube.
