A Time to Remember, A Time to Give Thanks: Theresa ‘Annie’ Chisholm McNeely (1840-1929)

November is the Month of the Holy Souls, a time when Catholics are called to remember and pray for those who have gone before us. In keeping with this tradition, we are launching a special series over the next few weeks, sharing the stories of individuals laid to rest at Gardens of Gethsemani Catholic Cemetery.

These mini-biographies honour the legacy and lasting impact of each person, celebrating lives marked by faith, generosity, and virtue. Through their stories, we hope to inspire our community to reflect on the importance of memory and legacy, recognizing how past lives can illuminate our present and shape our future.

Titled A Time to Remember, A Time to Give Thanks, this series underscores our shared Catholic heritage and the beauty of commemorating those who lived their faith. Some of these remarkable individuals will also feature in the updated St. Peter’s Cemetery tour book, ensuring that their memory continues to inspire for generations to come. 

In an age when travel was a daunting leap into the unknown, Theresa “Annie” Chisholm McNeely embarked on a journey from the rugged shores of Nova Scotia to the pioneering frontier of British Columbia. 

Born on May 11, 1840, in Tracadie, Antigonish, Annie left behind her small village in 1886 to live with her uncle, federal politician MP Donald Chisholm (1822-1890). Annie’s life, marked by charity, faith, and kindness, would span nearly a century and leave a legacy that continues to inspire.

One of four daughters of Duncan and Isabel Chisholm, Annie brought with her the deep-rooted values of her Catholic upbringing. Her move westward represented not only a physical journey but also an act of faith – stepping into the unknown while remaining true to her beliefs.

In 1893, she married Thomas McNeely, a Protestant businessman and one of Ladner’s pioneering merchants. Together, they built a prosperous life in Ladner, where their 129-acre estate would later become a cherished gift to the Archdiocese of Vancouver and later become the first Seminary of Christ the King.

Their home became a symbol of charity, supporting the spiritual formation of future generations. When Thomas passed away in 1900, Annie carried on, dedicating herself fully to charitable works and embodying the Christian virtue of kindness.

In her later years, Annie’s faith remained her anchor. She spent her last four years under the care of St. Paul’s Hospital before dying on July 12, 1929, at the age of 89. 

In her will, Annie’s generosity continued to blossom as she ensured that her estate, valued at over half a million dollars, would support the Church and charitable organizations close to her heart. 

Her legacy helped institutions like St. Paul’s and St. Mary’s Hospitals, the Sisters of Providence, Sisters of St. Martha orphanages, and the Catholic Children’s Aid Society. Her endowment to St. Francis Xavier College in Antigonish, supporting retired priests and educating young minds, reflected her deep belief in giving thanks through service to others.

Annie’s contributions were recognized on a grand scale, as she became the first woman in British Columbia to receive the papal honour Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, for her educational and charitable works. The award came with the title of “Lady,” a fitting tribute for a life lived in service to her faith and community. 

Her legacy lives on through the institutions she supported and the countless lives she touched with her kindness and generosity.

Annie’s story is an invitation to remember the past and give thanks for the present. Rooted in the virtues of charity, faith, and kindness, her life serves as a testament to the enduring power of selflessness and devotion. As we reflect on her legacy, we are reminded of the call to use our blessings to uplift others and to embrace the opportunity to give back, just as Annie did.

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