Ruth K. (Miller) MacNeil, age 80, passed away on October 21, 2017.
“Chickie” was born on November 30, 1936 in Boston, MA to Carlton and Marjorie (Moody) Miller, the third of five children. Her childhood was filled with many adventures with her siblings around their Shawsheen neighborhood. She played the trumpet in her school band, was on her high school equestrian team, was an artist, and worked part time at the local Shawsheen Luncheonette, waiting tables after school. She graduated Punchard High School in 1954. Following graduation, Chickie began studies at Northeastern University while employed at Liberty Mutual in Boston.
In 1956, Chickie married and had six children. She called her children the “greatest joy” of her life. After her 18-year marriage ended, she entered nursing school in order to support her family and graduated with an RN degree from Northern Essex Community College. Chickie dedicated 35 years to nursing, mainly as the Cardiac Care and ICU Supervisor at Bon Secours (Holy Family) Hospital and at Florida Memorial Hospital in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
In the mid 1990’s Chickie relocated to Florida to escape the snow and be closer to family. During her free time she crocheted blankets for her family, went to yard sales with her sister, tanned at the beach, played the slot machines, and learned DIY projects around the house. In particular, Chickie loved get togethers and vacations with her family. She will be remembered for her sharp wit and storytelling, staunch belief in the GOP, her practical no-nonsense nature, thriftiness, and her love of animals.
She is predeceased by her beloved son Mark Scott, her parents, her brother, George Miller, and sister, Marilyn DeGregorio. Survivors include her 5 children, Kathleen MacNeil of Missouri, Richard MacNeil of Daytona Beach, Florida, Edward (Shin) MacNeil of Salem, NH, Susan MacNeil (Len Ala) of Orlando, FL, and Heather MacNeil Pfordresher (Robert) of North Andover, MA; 6 grandchildren, Shannon, Mark, Christopher, Molly, Andrew, and Sean; two great granddaughters, Makaila and Khloe; brother Carl “Skippy” Miller (Anne) and sister Marjorie Miller Say, both of South Florida, and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Thursday, November 2, 2017, from 5pm-7pm at Burke-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 390 North Main Street, Andover, MA. Funeral service will be held at 2pm on Friday, November 3, 2017, at Christ Church, 25 Central Street, Andover, MA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to MSPCA or American Cancer Society.
Condolences may be sent to 29 Rock Road, North Andover, MA 01845.
For additional information, please visit, www.burkemagliozzi.com.