Age 82
North Sydney/ St. Brendan’s, N.L.
With saddened hearts we announce the peaceful passing of Frances Ryan on Sunday, April 14, 2013 at the Northside Community Guest Home, surrounded by her family and friends. Born in St. Brendan’s, NL, on October 18, 1930 she was the daughter of the late Michael and Gertrude Mackey. Frances was predeceased by her loving husband Jack Ryan in 1990, to whom she was forever committed. Frances was a very proud member of the St. Joseph’s Church, North Sydney.
Left to cherish many shared memories are her seven children James (Judy) Ryan, Truro, N.S.; Leonard Ryan, Truro, N.S.; Joan (Len) McMurrer, Ottawa, Ont.; Angela (George) Quirk, North Sydney, N.S.; Randy (Sandy) Ryan, Springhill, N.S.; John (Michael) Ryan, Ottawa, Ont. and Michael (Leanne) Ryan, Halifax, N.S. Also, her fourteen grandchildren Janine, Shaun, Darren, Sheldon, Ryan, Allaina, Renee, Samantha, Geoffrey, Shauna, Olivia, Lauren, Jack and Rachel. Great-grandchildren Alexandra, Lincoln, Kael and Elliott.
Frances is survived by siblings Margaret (Bruce) Tannock, Sister Alice Mackey, Betty (Harry) Snow, Loyola (Gail) Mackey and Jean (Tom) Barron. Also surviving are sisters-in-law Sheila Mackey and Loretta Mackey, by many nieces and nephews and dear friend Eileen Penny.
Frances was predeceased by brothers James, Michael and Gordon Mackey.
Frances was motivated by service to her family and community. Closest to her heart, she was a loving and dedicated daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her tireless efforts and dedication to her family, friends, church and community were reflected in the words she often shared, “Never put off ‘til tomorrow, what you can do today.” The self defined success of her children was her greatest passion. Always putting the care and needs of others before her own, she spent many years as a committed volunteer in the church and community. Frances devoted her time in many roles including past President and lifelong member of the CWL, a Eucharistic minister, the RCIA and countless parish activities. She touched the lives of many within the community through organized volunteer activities, and in her later years thrived in service to families through the regional Palliative Care team. Yet, her greatest gift was the ability to see need in any form, with the heart to care and give.
The family extends a very big heartfelt thank you to the staff at the Northside Community Guest Home, especially the staff of Teresa Terrace for their compassion and amazing professional care provided. Special thanks also to Dr. Lloyd MacKenzie and Dr. M Knott.
Visitation for Frances will be held 7-9 p.m. Monday and 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday in the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney. A funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:00 am Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at St. Joseph Church, North Sydney, with Fr. J.J. MacDonald officiating. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Sydney.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Frances may be made to the Northside Community Guest Home Foundation, 11 Queen Street, North Sydney, N.S., B2A 1A2, the Alzheimer’s Society of Nova Scotia, 2717 Gladstone Street, Halifax, NS, B3K 0A4 or the charity of choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.wjdooley.com.