Obituary of Shirley Leadbeater, New Waterford

It is with profound sadness that we are announcing the peaceful passing of an exquisite, loving, amazing lady, Shirley Leadbeater, at the An Cala Unit of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney.  She was reunited with her family on the early morning of November 14, 2017.  She was blessed to have her loving family and friends at her side. She handled her brief illness with poise and grace; a true tribute of the lady that she was.

Ever optimistic and full of life, her beautiful smile lit up the room.  She was delighted when her family and friends came to visit and her favourite phrase, 'I LOVE YOU', crossed upon her lips.  A great hugger, one felt a sense of peace and joy when in her arms.

Shirley was truly the thief of many hearts, never had a bad word to say and was always there to lend a hand to anyone in need.  Quick with the tea and sandwiches for all that visited her home, one could feel the love that exuded from her heart.  A loyal friend, an exceptional sister-in-law and a fashionable aunt, she brought joy to many people's lives.  We are all blessed to have known her.

Born April 27, 1938 in New Waterford, she was the only daughter of the late Thomas and Mary Jane (Duffney) Leadbeater. She was the doting sister to her late brothers, John, Tommy, Benny and Earl.  She delighted in their and their children's accomplishments.  A true cheerleader for us all, we were fortunate to have her in our corner.

She is survived by her sister-in- law, Alice (the late John) and their children Joey, Gary, Nancy, Kerry and Wendell; sister-in-law, Georgina (the late Tommy) and their children Ronnie, Tommy  and Cathy; sister-in-law, Helen (the late Benny) and their children Shawna and Jerrod; Sister-in-law, Sheila (the late Earl) and their children Mary, Donna, Earl and Shirley.

She was blessed with numerous grand and great-grandnieces and nephews, as well as a large extended family. Shirley had many special friends who brought joy to her life; Beverley and Derrick Devoe, Tracy Fergerson, Donna MacMaster, Gary and Colleen Gouthro, among many others.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 16, 2017 from 1 p.m. until the time of the service at 2 p.m. all in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home Chapel, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford, with Rev. Vernon Reid officiating. Burial will be in Union Grove Cemetery, Scotchtown, with a luncheon to follow at All Saints Anglican Church Hall. In lieu of flowers,it would be greatly appreciated for donations to be made to the Hospice/Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton or the Heart and Stoke Foundation. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca. 

'Heaven has another special angel, she is probably making the tea !'