Obituary of Sheila Ann Ryan, Reserve Mines

Sheila Ann (McLeod) Ryan

Reserve Mines

 

With heavy hearts we sadly announce the passing of our beautiful Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt and friend, Sheila. Mom passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, August 24, 2019, surrounded by her loving family after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

Born January 7, 1942 and raised in Reserve Mines, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Janette “Nettie” (Rennie) McLeod. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Church, Reserve Mines and was very strong in her Christian faith.

In the early 1980’s she worked at the offices of Drs. Nicholson and O’Brien, then when Dr. O’Brien moved his practice to Glace Bay she was a dedicated secretary to him for over 20 years.  She was extremely proud of her work and met many wonderful people over the years from “the office”.

After her retirement, she was “always on the go” , she walked the beach daily with her best friend Barb,  took in an exercise or yoga class,  or was out for meals and social events with “the girls”.  Mom believed in keeping her body and mind active. She always looked forward to her annual summer trip to Ontario to see her family and spend cherished sister time with Peggy.  She was Home to us, the baker of the best cinnamon rolls and homemade fudge. Her door was always open to family, neighbors and friends. She loved her family dearly.

Mom will be very sadly missed by her 3 children, sons, Jack and Brian, Reserve, daughter Jenny (David Shaw) Tanglewood. She was the proudest Nanny to Jenny’s children, Sean and Christian Murphy and Brian’s children Jayden Bouchie and Brieley Ryan (all of them referred to by her as “Nanny’s Babies”). They were her greatest joy and she had unconditional love for them and spoiled them with every opportunity.

She is also survived by her sister Peggy Nauffts, Collingwood Ont., brother Kevin (Margaret) McLeod, Birch Grove, her in-laws Mary (Ryan) McIntrye, Ontario, Larry (Kay) Ryan and Bernie Ryan of Glace Bay. She also leaves to mourn many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family who fondly hold warm and happy memories of Aunt Sheila.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her loving husband, Paddy (2012), infant twins, Patrick and Patricia at birth, sister, Jean MacDonald and brother, Joe MacLeod.

Visitation for the late Sheila Ryan will take place at V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, Chapel & Reception Centre, 16 Reserve St., Glace Bay on Tuesday, August 27 from 2-4 p.m and 7-9 p.m.  A Christian Farewell Celebration mass will take place 11 A.M, Wednesday, August 28th  in St. Joseph’s Church, Reserve Mines,  with Father Dan Boudreau officiating. Interment will follow the mass at St. Joseph’s Cemetery and afterwards, we will gather for a reception in the parish hall to share stories and remember happy times of her.

Family flowers only please, in lieu of flowers we ask that you make donations to St. Joseph’s Cemetery Fund, Palliative Care Patient Care Fund or the Alzheimer’s Association (Mom was involved in memory of her mother).

“My precious child, I love you and will never leave you during the times of trial and suffering. When you saw only one set of footprints in the sand, it was then that I carried you.” Footprints in the sand.

See you at the Beach Mom- We love you.