Mary Ileana Neil was born on October 5, 1926, to Dave and Rose Paynter on the farm near Kinistino, Saskatchewan. Mary married Vernon Neil on December 28, 1948, after graduating from nursing at the Victoria Union Hospital, in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. They moved to Johnson Field and then to Newlands, British Columbia, where they raised three children, Duncan (Norma), Beverly and Carol (Barry). They were blessed with six grandchildren, Bill, Tara (Mike), James (Denise), Vernon (Nadine), Jacqueline (Kerry) and Christopher (Kathryn). Eleven grandchildren, Colton, Duncan (Kirsten), Quinn, Victoria, Spencer, Xanthia, Lucas, Serena, Alexa, Emmanouil and Kayla and one precious great-great grandson Freddy. Mary is also survived by Ed and Bob Stewart and numerous nieces and nephews. Her sister Jean and brother-in-law Al were able to share her final days together. Mary is predeceased by her husband Vernon of 59 years, brothers John and Bob and sister-in-law Doreen, her son-in-law Emmanouil and grandson Christopher and her dog Harley, her friend and companion.
A Funeral Service will be held on October 3rd, 2026, at 1:00pm at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Edson, Alberta, with Burial to follow.
Please join the family following the service at Mountain Pizza located at 5102-4th Ave, Hwy 16 West.
Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to the Edson Community Care Foundation, PO Box 6300, T7E 1T7 or Holy Trinity Church Edson, 617 50th Street Edson, Alberta, in memory of Mary Neil.
This obituary is published with permission of the family of Mary Ileana (Paynter) Neil and may not be copied © 2026