A funeral service will be held on Monday afternoon for acclaimed Cape Breton singer-songwriter Rita MacNeil at a church in her Nova Scotia hometown of Big Pond.
The 68-year-old singer died last week following complications from surgery after a recurring infection.
The service, scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. AT, is being held at St. Mary's Parish — a church that is just up the road from MacNeil's home and holds about 200 people. Approximately 50 family members are expected to attend.
Father Joe Gillis told CBC News the service will be about 40 minutes long and will include readings by members of MacNeil's family, such as her niece and first cousin.
Laura Lewis, MacNeil's daughter, is also expected to speak.
At the front of the church will be MacNeil's remains, which have been cremated and placed in a white teapot with her name written on the side. It's a nod to Rita's Tea Room, which she opened in her hometown of Big Pond in 1986. MacNeil gave regular performances at the former one-room schoolhouse, which she bought in 1982 and renovated.
Hundreds of people are expected to attend the service at St. Mary's Parish, which overlooks the Bras d'Or Lake. Up to 450 people will be seated at the Big Pond Community Fire Hall nearby, where they will be able to watch the funeral through a live video feed.
A reception will take place at the fire hall after the funeral.
MacNeil, who was one of eight children, moved to Toronto at age 17, wrote her first song there and began singing in folk clubs. She later moved to Ottawa, where she recorded three albums, but eventually returned to Big Pond, where she formed a trio.
Her powerful voice explored genres from country to folk to gospel.
MacNeil worked tirelessly over decades to gradually become a beloved fixture in Canadian culture, with her greatest success coming after she was in her 40s. She recorded 24 albums and sold millions of records over the course of her career.
A recording of Weary Travelers, a song from her last album, is expected to be played at the funeral.
MacNeil, who was also a member of the Order of Canada and the recipient of five honorary doctorates, has been praised by many for her wisdom and humility.
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