Obituary of Shirley (Drinovz) Nolan, New Waterford

Shirley (Drinovz) Nolan

New Waterford

 

It is with sadness that we, the family, announce the passing of Shirley Nolan, 82, on Saturday, December 2, 2017 at the Glace Bay Hospital.

She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Born in New Waterford , she was the daughter of the late Sabine (Roach) and Albert Leblanc.

In her early years, Shirley worked at Harry Gaum's store and Novarite Dry Cleaners as a seamstress. They must have taught her well as she went on to make beautiful quilts in later years. It was with her first husband, Carl where she spent most of her working years in the family business Drinovz Catering. They also operated cafeterias at the Heavy Water plant and the former UCCB (CBU). A typical week would involve managing the cafeterias while also catering to several functions through the week and more on the weekends all while raising a family! Shirley made many lasting friendships through the UCCB community and had a special place in her heart for "the girls" - the many women who worked in the business over the years. Two special "girls" were Lena Graham and "Sis" Murran who were true "friends to the end".

After the loss of her first husband, Shirley was consoled by Dan. A bond developed and they would marry - they truly enjoyed their golden years and had much happiness. Dan forever treated her like a lady and we are grateful for this.  Family meant everything to Shirley and she loved cooking great meals when gatherings occurred. Nothing made her happier than the company of her grand and great grandchildren. During her illness, Ma was a very private person but maintained a sense of humor. What she endured to the end is testament to how strong a woman she was.

She is survived by her children, Carol Ann, Kitchener, Ont, Walter (Rosemary), Dartmouth NS, Andrew, Saint John NB, David (Tarryn), Lingan NS, Darren, Sydney River NS and Robert (Bernadette), New Waterford NS; step children, Mike, Kelowna BC, Patricia, Toronto, On; Corinne, Ottawa ON; Grand children Jacqueline, New Waterford NS, Dana, Kitchener ON, Matthew, Oromocto NB, Mitchell, Dartmouth NS and Carly, Nainimo BC.

Besides her parents she was predeceased by her brother, Wilfred (Joanne), Barrie ON, her second husband, Dan Nolan, first husband, Carl Drinovz and daughter, Lynn.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 from 6-9 p.m. in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, at 11a.m. in the funeral home Chapel with Father Ray Huntley officiating. Burial will be in Union Grove Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy for Mom, donations in her memory may be made to The Kidney Foundation or to the Cancer Society.

The family would like to thank the staff at the New Waterford Community Hospital and unit 4 North of the Glace Bay Hospital. Unit 4 North should be commended and thanked for the professionalism and compassion their staff showed. They are proof of the phrase "angels walk among us".

Online condolences may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.