Mary Cecilia Ryan
Born In: Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada
Born: July 24th, 1909
Passed in: North Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed on: January 24th, 2011
Our mom, whom we so deeply loved, has been called to God. Surrounded by the love of her family, Mary Cecilia MacSween Ryan passed away at home Jan. 24, 2011, gently and peacefully just as she had lived her life.
Born in Glace Bay, July 9, 1909, she was the youngest daughter of the late James and Sarah (MacNeil) MacSween.
Cherished memories will be forever remembered by her family, Mary (John) McCullough, Toronto, David (Brenda), Sally, daughter-in-law, Elaine, all of North Sydney, and Jimmy, Mississauga. She was a very special Nana to her grandchildren, Denise, Krysteine, Kevin, Shannon, Matthew, Christopher, Michael and Colleen. She was G.G. to Jack, Lauchlan, Oscar and Callum. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren added so much to Mom's life and happiness.
Mom's chair is now empty but her endearing smile, her expressive eyes and 'discreet' tilt of her head will live forever.
Mom will be greatly missed but our hearts are filled with gratitude and many wonderful memories of a long lived life giving of herself. Her love, guidance, direction and support given to us will remain forever. Mom's great sense of humour and her wit will be missed. These qualities she maintained until her last day. She made us laugh.
Prior to her marriage in 1942, she worked as a secretary on Parliament Hill, Ottawa, and at the general office of the Coal Company in Glace Bay.
Throughout the years we have received many compliments about our mother with such adjectives as gentile, kind, warm, gracious, humorous and caring. Mom had a great sense of style, poise and flair that was recognized by one and all as a true lady of grace.
She was predeceased by her husband, Capt. David Ryan (1987) and her son, Matthew, QC (2009), her parents and siblings, John (Margaret), Danny (Peggy), Wilfred, Martina (Sister Agnes Miriam), Elizabeth (Sr. Loretta), Stella, Sadie and Michael.
In addition to her children and families, she is also survived by her in-laws, Rick (Mabel), Nora, Kal, all of North Sydney, and Pauline, California. Many nieces and nephews also survive.
Our sense of loss is shared by Bernadette Keagan, Mom's true friend who was always there for her. She loved Mom as we did.
A devout member of St. Joseph's parish, she strongly believed in the power of prayer. To the end she asked God to take care of us all.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the North Sydney Food Bank or a charity of your choice.
Funeral directions are under the direction of W.J. Dooley Funeral Home. Visitation for our mom will be held Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011, from 2-4 and 7-9 pm in the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant St., North Sydney. Mass of Christian burial will take place at St. Joseph Church, Friday, Jan. 28, 2011, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Jake Andrea officiating. Burial to take place at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Sydney.
"Eternal Rest Grant Unto to Her, O Lord."
