Obituary of Allena Mary Phillips

It is with great sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of Allena on Saturday, July 6, 2019, at the QEII Halifax Infirmary, with her loving family by her side. Born December 15, 1918, in Dunvagan Cape Breton, Allena was the daughter of John Alexander MacNeil, St. Rose, and Jessie Anne (MacDonald), Glencoe. Allena was a long time resident of Margaree Centre, where she and her husband, the late John Joseph Phillips, made the most out of living off the land and started a family; one that continues to grow.

Allena was one in a million. She was selfless, modest, relaxed, and unassuming. She loved life, no matter how hard it got. She saw the beauty in life and embraced its many challenges. She shared many stories and memories of days gone by and offered words of wisdom to all. Her home was always a place of warmth and welcome and her hospitality will be long remembered. Allena was a long-time member, and CWL member of St. Patrick’s Church, North East Margaree. She was a true believer in prayer, welcoming many pastoral visits over the years. Her love of reading paired with the most amazing memory, Allena developed a keen interest in genealogy. She was truly devoted to find the roots of her family and will be greatly missed by many.

Allena is survived by her six children, Jessie (late Tommy) Murphy, Margaree, twins Marlene (late John) Fortune, Margaree, Arlene (late Andrew) Dunn, Margaree Forks, John (Rita), Margaree, twins Iris (Walter), Halifax, and Angus (Mary), Truro; sisters Christina (Frank) Skerry, Halifax, and Anna (Tom) Young, Halifax; Godchild Gussie MacLellan, Inverness; her 43 grandchildren, 60 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and extended family. She is also survived by sister-in-law Florence MacNeil, Whitby ON.

Besides her husband and her parents, Allena was predeceased by her stepmother Mary Sarah (Gillis) MacNeil, siblings: James (Jimmy) MacNeil, Mary Sarah, Jim Angus, John Archie, Alex Dan, Elizabeth Ann, Maggie Flora in infancy and Lewis (Marion) MacLellan; sister-in-law Theresa MacLellan, many brothers and sisters in-law on the Phillips side; and grandchildren: Dougie Murphy, Frankie Drake, Joey Phillips, Frankie Phillips, and Tracy Timmons.

Cremation has taken place under the care of the J. Albert Walker Funeral Home, Halifax. Visitation will be held from 3-9pm on Friday, July 12, in St. Patrick’s Parish Hall, NE Margaree. The funeral mass will be held in St. Patrick's Church, on Saturday, July 13, at 11am, with Father MacDonald Ibeh officiating. Internment will take place in the Congregational Cemetery, Margaree Centre. Reception to follow in St. Patrick's Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Palliative Care Unit at the QEII, or charity of choice. Funeral arrangements and internment are under the direction of Sunset Funeral Cooperative, Margaree Valley.

A very special thank you to all of the health care professionals who provided care for Allena and to the many visitors who brought her comfort and care over the years. We are proud of her amazing strength and courage and forever grateful for so many years of memories, for which we have been blessed.