Parcourez la nécrologie de Shirley Hope Ryan March 4 1934 to August 14 2024 résidant dans la province T-N pour le détail des funérailles
With profound sorrow we announce the sudden but peaceful passing of Shirley Hope Ryan on August 14, 2024, at the Health Science Centre in St. John’s. She leaves to mourn with fond and loving memories her five children, Karen, Jim, Gail, Lynette (Gian Paulo) and Ken (Sabrina); twelve beautiful grandchildren, Emma, Michael, Maggie, Madeleine, Thomas, Sophie, Elizabeth, Rachel, Ronan, Ciara, Patrick and Nicholas; sisters, Marina (Herbert, deceased), Carol (David, deceased) and Patricia (David); brother Winston (Kay); as well as a large circle of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Nanny will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.
Shirley was predeceased by her husband James (Jim); parents, Pearl and Hector Parsons; sisters, Minnie (Lloyd), Theresa (Lawrence), Lorraine (Stanley), Roberta (Winston), Pamela and brother Hector (Vera).
Born March 4, 1934, the fifth oldest of ten children, Shirley was raised in the big, beautiful Parsons family on Franklin Avenue in old St. John’s. Family was the highest priority for Shirley. She fondly recounted stories of growing up in her large family full of kids and love, summer day adventures with everyone piling into the plumber’s van headed to the country for extended family get togethers, and happy storybook Christmases.
Shirley attended Bishop Spencer College, a school which cultivated wonderful learning experiences, strong values, and the opportunity to build treasured life-long friendships, and continued her education by completing a diploma in Commercial Studies. Most of her working career was spent with the St. John’s offices of Confederation Life, a major Canadian insurance company. Her new-found financial independence gave her the freedom to splash out on her sporty little Nash Metropolitan, providing a fun way to spend time with friends cruising around town. She was very physically active in her younger years and thoroughly enjoyed racquet sports like tennis and badminton. She cherished memories of this adventurous and carefree time when she developed friendships that remained steadfast throughout her life.
Introduced through mutual friends, Shirley met Jim, the love of her life, and the two soon wed and started a family together. In their early years of marriage, when Jim attended Ryerson College in Toronto, Karen and Jim were born. Eventually, the lure of the Rock and longing for extended family brought them home to Newfoundland, first to Grand Falls then on to St. John’s where Gail, Lynette and Ken completed their family.
Always holding down the fort while Jim was working in far flung reaches of the country, Shirley was the heart and soul of the family. Caring for children, cleaning, cooking meals for five hungry kids, tackling the endless pile of laundry and making cookies for bake sales, Shirley’s days were full as she kept the family steadily moving forward. When not looking after her own family she often cared for others, taking on the role of caregiver for children in the neighbourhood.
Shirley loved the simple pleasures in life, having a grand chat with a family member or friend, going for a long walk especially with dear Bobbie, playing a good game of cards in one of her “clubs” with her beloved sisters, or bowling in a league with friends. And when the opportunity arose, she enjoyed travelling to various parts of Canada, the United States and Europe.
Always looking at the positive side of life, Shirley felt very blessed and was the first to recognize and be grateful for kindness extended to her by friends, family or even strangers. She often said, I’ve got a guardian angel looking out for me. She had a way of drawing people to her, radiating warmth and approachability – she could make a friend out of anyone, anywhere. Never jealous of anyone’s good fortune, Shirley always wanted the best for everyone. She was a kind and selfless person – not at all caught up in material things.
Over the years Shirley taught her children many lessons, one of the most important being, always give it your best. She believed in each child’s potential and responsibility to honour his or her individual gifts. These values were firmly embraced by Shirley’s children who now encourage and support their own children’s goals and dreams.
Warmly remembered as a wonderful wife, mother, sister, aunt and ever so proud grandmother, Shirley was happiest when she was surrounded by her extended loving family, especially her cherished grandchildren. Never one to be the center of attention, hers was a quiet presence, felt through her welcoming embrace, warm smile and attentive listening.
It has been said that our greatest strength lies in the gentleness and tenderness of our own heart. No doubt, Shirley’s heart touched everyone she encountered – she was one of a kind. Though absolutely devastated by our loss, we are eternally grateful to have had her in our lives. Her absence will be deeply felt, but her memory will remain in our hearts forever.
In accordance with Shirley’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Carnell’s Funeral home, 329 Freshwater Road, St. John’s from 2:00 – 4:00 pm and 7:00 – 9:00 pm. Funeral service will be held the following day, Sunday, in the Carnell’s Chapel at 11:00 am with a reception to follow. Inurnment will take place on Monday, September 30, at the Forest Road Anglican cemetery at 11:00 am.
In honour of Shirley’s memory, we kindly request that in lieu of flowers, and if you so choose, a donation can be made to the CNIB or a charity of your choice.
Many thanks to the Health Sciences Centre for the excellent care Mom received during her time there. A special thank you to the staff of the ACL program at Chancellor Park for the care and kindness extended to Shirley in her final days.
Please note that Carnell’s is a nut free building, due to a staff member with a severe allergy. Thank you for your cooperation.
“A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again.”
– Maya Angelou
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March 4 1934 to August 14 2024
Décès pour la Ville St-John’s, Province T-N
avis deces Shirley Hope Ryan March 4 1934 to August 14 2024
nécrologie Shirley Hope Ryan March 4 1934 to August 14 2024
Nous offrons nos plus sincères condoléances à la famille et aux amis de Shirley Hope Ryan March 4 1934 to August 14 2024 et espérons que leur mémoire pourra être une source de réconfort pendant cette période difficile. Vos pensées et vos mots aimables sont grandement appréciés.