MCNEIL Jean July 3, 1917 - March 22, 2008 It is with sadness that we announce the sudden passing in Calgary, of Jean McNeil (nee MacLean) on March 22, 2008 at 90 years of age. This amazing and unique lady was born in Castle Bay, Scotland in 1917 and she moved to Canada at a young age, as her family was to homestead in the Diamond Valley, Alberta area. It was there she met her husband Gilbert McNeil and together they farmed the McNeil homestead until moving to B.C. in 1971. Jean drove rural mail in Eckville as well as school bus and worked at Larry's café for years and enjoyed all the people she met. She was an avid horsewoman and carried her love of horses with her to the end. Jean and Gib had a lot of good times at the curling rinks and at weekend dances, and Jean with the Diamond Valley Ladies Club. An active Legion member she helped initiate a ladies auxiliary and she maintained her membership throughout her life. She made a life for herself in BC and was even honored by the CBC in a documentary about the "oldest living rural postie". She leaves behind her 3 children, Marvin McNeil (Joanne) of Medicine Hat, Sharon Hallett (John) of Abbotsford and Lois Holloway (Don) of Calgary. She was Nana to 9 grandchildren and she saw 17 great-grandchildren come into the world. She was pre-deceased by her husband Gilbert in 1972, as well as 8 brothers and sisters going before her. She is the last McNeil and McLean of her generation. Jean's had a personality that was charming, fun-loving and yet feisty and she continually wanted to experience new things, expand her knowledge. She remained very independent to the end, and created an indelible memory that we will ensure is carried on. At Jeans request, there will be no service but there will be a memorial for her to be held in Eckville May 3rd 2008, at 2:00 pm in the Legion hall, and anyone whose lives were touched by her, are welcome to attend.