Obituary of Teresa (McNeil) Curnew, Glace Bay

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Teresa (McNeil) Curnew, age 89, who passed away peacefully in the Palliative Care Unit at the Victoria General Hospital, Halifax, NS, with her loving daughter, Deborah, by her side on Wednesday, October 23^rd, 2024.

Teresa is survived by her daughter, Deborah (Brad) Lohrenz, and her son, James Ralph (Darlene) and her “bonus son” Barry Rogers (Donna). She will be missed by her grandchildren, Craig, Ty, and Yurek, as well as her great-grandchildren, Seth, and Alexis.

Teresa will also be fondly remembered by her many nieces, nephews, and her special friends, Marion Kinslow, Audrey (Honey) McNeil, Sandra Smith, Darlene Mann, and many others. To these and other special friends, Teresa said she was always grateful for them being there. Teresa also gained a wonderful friend in Martha while in the hospital. Martha, a family friend sat with her for many hours tending to her every need. Teresa’s longest friend, Phylis Howie, whom she spoke with often, allowed her to reminisce about the early years and they shared many laughs. Teresa had many stories that she shared about their lives as children and young adults and shared them in detail right to the end.

She was predeceased by her husband, James Ralph Curnew; her parents, Michael and Nora (Ling) McNeil, her sisters, Jenny Gallivan, Margaret MacDonald, Agnes Leanore Hayes, Ann Spencer; and her brothers, Michael, William, Duncan, and Gerard. She was also predeceased by a special brother-in-law, Angus Hayes who was more like a brother than a brother-in-law.

Teresa spent many years working at the Red and White in Glace Bay and The Hudson's Bay in Sydney. She loved meeting people, and she was never short for words and working in these stores gave her plenty of opportunity to chat.  She was a devoted and active member of Holy Cross Parish in Glace Bay, where she was well-known for her unwavering faith and commitment to her Catholic beliefs. The parishioners of Holy Cross Church will miss her presence.

Her daughter, Deborah, shares this heartfelt message: “Mom, words cannot fully capture how much I will miss you, but you will live in my heart and my memory always. The memories we’ve shared, especially these past several weeks where I sat by your side each day and night, will be treasures I carry with me forever. I am so grateful for those moments, for the conversations, the quiet smiles, and the love we shared—new memories that will forever warm my soul.

You were, and always will be, my guiding light. I will think of you often, not just in the big moments, but in the small, everyday ones too. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being my mom—for your love, your wisdom, and everything you gave me. I am who I am because of you. I love you more than words can say, and I will carry your spirit with me, always and forever.  Rest easy, Mom. You are a part of me now and always.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 16 Reserve Street, Glace Bay on Sunday, October 27^th from 2-4 p.m. 

A funeral mass will be celebrated at Holy Cross Church in Glace Bay on Monday, October 28^th at 10 a.m. with Fr. Norman MacPhee presiding, followed by a reception. Interment in the parish cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Holy Cross Church, the Palliative Care Unit at the Victoria General Hospital, or the SPCA.

On line condolences to the family can be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca