Sheila Jean Cross
On Monday, February 26, 2018, Sheila Jean Cross passed away peacefully at the Glace Bay Hospital surrounded by her family following a brief battle with cancer. Sheila was born in Glace Bay to Alex and Margaret (Brodie) Munroe on January 29, 1939. Sheila trained as a Registered Nurse in Cape Breton; she furthered her education and experience in New York and Montreal before returning to Glace Bay when she married Cliff in 1971. Sheila was a Supervisor at the Glace Bay General Hospital until her retirement in 1995. She was also part of the province wide GRASP project which first computerized hospitals records. When some time has passed, Dad would probably love to tell you the story of how one day in 1958 he looked up to find the prettiest girl he’d ever seen walking by, he knew immediately that he was going to marry her - and he did, 13 years later. It's a long and winding tale of two people who were truly meant to be together. Those who knew Sheila will remember her intelligence and humour. She loved animals and spoiled not only her own pets, but every dog, cat, crow, and squirrel that wandered into the yard. Despite her petite frame, Sheila was a notorious nocturnal nosher frequently emptying out trays of sweets when everyone else was sleeping. Others will remember her as the little drummer girl at house and bungalow parties with her red snare drum on which every kid in the family learned to tap a beat.
Sheila was predeceased by her parents, Alex and Margaret (Brodie), brothers, Gordon and Gerald (Jerry); sisters, Phyllis and Sally, as well as her mother and father-in-law Florence (Strickland) and Cecil Cross; brothers-in-law Calvin Cross and Neil MacDougall, and sister-in-law Joyce (Matthews) Munroe. She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Clifford Cross; children, Carol Ann (Ross) Cross-Roen, and Colin Cross; grandchildren, Mackenzie Cross and Wade Roen; sister, Margery MacDougall; sister-in-law, Margaret (Breen) Cross; several nieces and nephews, and her beloved cat Mitsy. Those wishing to honour Sheila's life should consider a donation to the SPCA in her memory.
We are very thankful to the many people who offered their help and support during the final week of Sheila's life: the wonderful staff of the Glace Bay Hospital (third south), Dr. David Ley (Ann and Lynn), our extraordinary friends and neighbours, especially Debbie Boutilier, and Lorna Currie R.N. Sheila’s niece (and flower girl) who made it possible for us to all be together at the end.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to T. J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 370 Reserve St., Glace Bay, NS 902-849-4199.
