Martha “Aileen” Neals (nee Cummiskey) aka ABBY ~
Twice Blessed is Having a Mother for a Friend: My Mom entered into rest at her home at Extendicare Kawartha Lakes on Monday, September 17, 2018, loving family by her side. Aileen, in her 97TH year was the beloved wife of Preston Neals for 70 years (also of Extendicare Kawartha Lakes). She was the beloved daughter of James “Christopher” Cummiskey born in Otonabee Township, Peterborough County and Elsie Jane Grandy born in Manvers Township (Durham) Victoria County. Loving sister of Myra Page (Clarence) predeceased. Aileen was my dear and cherished mother, me being, Linda Johnson (Larry), my brother, the late Douglas (Lynn). Abby was the much loved grandmother of Beau Johnson, her pride and joy, Alicia Cooper (Mike), Lesley Neals and Laura Downey (Clarke). She was the adored Great Grandmother (Abby) of Prizm, Gabriel and Khaya Johnson, Makena and Maisie Cooper and Clive Downey. Abby will be sorely missed by her cherished friend, Melissa Harvey. Aileen worked at TD Bank in Bethany and Peterborough in her early years, Secretary at St. Paul’s Church, Lindsay and after raising us, finished off her banking career, until retirement, at Victoria and Grey Trust/National Trust, Lindsay; always balancing to the penny. She was a generous volunteer and was awarded certification as a Life Member of the Ross Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. She served with the UCW, sang in her church choirs through the years and was a member of the Lindsay Song Spinners. Along with being a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who was understanding and supportive through thick and thin, she found time to sew clothes for herself and me. Visitation will be at the Mackey Funeral Home, 33 Peel Street, Lindsay (705-328-2721) on Saturday, September 22, 2018 from 1:00 p.m. until time of Service in the Chapel at 2:00 p.m. A private Interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Lifford, will be at a later date. Aileen has courageously spent the last many years battling multiple health challenges. One tough lady, my mother was, right to the end. And, beautiful. In lieu of flowers, Linda and the family would appreciate donations, if you are able to do so, in Aileen’s name to any of the following: Kidney Foundation of Canada, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Arthritis Society or Alzheimer’s Society of Kawartha Lakes. I wish to thank Dr. Sarel Vorster for his kind and loving care of my mother over the years, Elizabeth Fagan and Laura Devine; the nurses, Dr. Fagan and Dr. Bowen at Caressant Care, Mary Street, and Dr. Peter Anderson, Dr. Milson and Nurse Practitioner Sarah Reynolds of Extendicare. Finally thanks to ALL the kind and loving caregivers and nurses who have treated my mother with dignity and respect; you know who you are, Occupational Therapists, Valerie and Saran, Physiotherapists, caring and talented hairdressers, Wendy and Loretta, Debbie Wooldridge RPN, and, Shelley (you are an angel) and the phenomenal staff at Homestead Oxygen. Last but certainly not least, a very special thank you to Adrienne West and Erica McWilliam of Adelaide Place for your support not only while mom resided there but continuing to the present. You held my hand, you showed me the way, you supported me. Online condolences may be made at www.mackeys.ca