Minnie A MacNeill, 80

Portland- Minnie MacNeill died peacefully in her sleep on October 30,2012 at St Joseph's Manor in Portland.

Minnie was born on Chebeague Island, ME on April 9, 1932, daughter of James H Rich Sr. and Nettie L Doughty Rich. She attended Chebeague Island Schools and graduated in a class of two. She had a wonderful childhood on the island and she had many special friendships growing up.

In 1955 Minnie married Captain Fremont MacNeill. They moved to Cape Elizabeth where they raised their seven children. Her major success in life was being a Mom. She devoted her life to her children and grandchildren. She was known to walk daily, from Cape Elizabeth to Mill Creek and beyond. Also she loved to work in her rock gardens full with marigolds and day lilies. She loved sunshine and full moons. Mom returned to her beloved island and lived at The Island Commons for ten years. She had the opportunity to live with friends and family.

Minnie was predeceased by her parents, her brother James H Rich Jr. and her sister Colleen R Jones. Minnie is survived by her sister Louise Todd of Chebeague Island. Her brother Herb Rich and her special sister in law Florence Rich of Chebeague Island.

Also, she is survived by her children: Cathy MacNeill of Chebeague Island, Cindy Riddle and her husband Bruce of Chebeague Island, Donald MacNeill of South Portland, Debbie Droggitis Drouin and her husband Michael of Biddeford, Nancy Derby and her husband Joseph III of Cumberland, Julie Doughty and her husband Edmund of Chebeague Island, Lisa MacNeill and her partner Jeffrey Brown of Old Orchard, stepdaughter Linda Wainwright and her husband David of Canton. Minnie leaves her grandchildren: Dustin and Zoe Droggitis; Joshua and Dylan Doughty; Karly, Jodie and Mindy Derby; Ceili, Thomas, Michael Higgins; James MacNeill; Ruben and Holden Brown. Her step grandchildren David, Christopher. Nicholas and Mary Elizabeth Wainwright; Vicki Todd and Sarah McKinnon. Also leaves nine beautiful great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the Island Commons Assisted Living Facility and St. Joseph’s Manor for the love and care given to Minnie over the years and during her declining health.

Visiting hours will be Friday from 4-6 p.m at Hobbs Funeral Home 230 Cottage Road, South Portland. A celebration of Minnie's life will be Saturday, 1 p.m, at Chebeague Island Methodist Church with Reverend Katherine Russo. Interment to follow immediately at the cemetery. Directly after the interment, a reception will be held at the Parish House.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish can make a donation to either:

The Island Commons, 132 Littlefield Road, Chebeague Island, Maine 04017

Chebeague Island United Methodist Church, 258 North Road, Chebeague Island, Maine 04017