Mórag Anna ni'n Ruairidh D. 'ic Dhòmhnaill Mhóir

Sarah Ann “Sadie A.” MacNeil was born May 11, 1904 in Red Point, Victoria County, to Rory D. MacNeil and Isabelle “Bella” (Beaton). The daughter of a father who married three times, she had one brother, Dan Alex, who passed away in infancy, and close bonds with her half-sisters, Christie and Katie, from her father’s previous marriage.

On September 9, 1924, Sarah Ann married Dan John “Doctor” MacNeil in Iona. Together, they built a life in Ottawa Brook, raising three children: Michael (Shorty), Rhodena (who is also featured in the Cape Breton Folklore Collection), and Isabelle.

Known for her compassion, Sarah Ann dedicated herself to caring for those in need, often helping the sick in her community. After Dan John sustained injuries in a sawmill accident, she balanced nursing him back to health with raising their children and managing a substantial farm.

In addition to her many responsibilities, Sarah Ann played a vital role in her community, preparing the bodies of the deceased. She was also a cherished Gaelic speaker and singer, with a repertoire of local and Mabou songs passed down from her mother, who hailed from Mabou Coal Mines. Sarah shares a song in this collection that was composed by her sister's husband, Alec Campbell.

Sarah Ann lived to the age of 82, passing away on June 21, 1986, and is laid to rest at Sacred Heart Cemetery in MacKinnon’s Harbour.