Burns, Shelia Anne
Sydney
Shelia Anne Burns, 79 of Sydney, passed away Monday December
24, 2018 at home with her family.
Born in Sydney on July 6, 1939, she was the daughter of the
late William and Margaret (Currie) Graham.
It is with the deepest sorrow that the family of Sheila Anne
Burns announce her passing after a long and courageous battle with
cancer. Her last weeks were spent at home surrounded by
those who loved her dearly. She was a
loving daughter, an exceptional sister, a dedicated wife, and a true
blessing and gift as a mother. She worked hard from the time
she was 13, starting as a clerk in the California Fruit Store, and
ending her career operating her own business ReNew Tax Services,
Sydney. Throughout her many years of hard work, she also
took the greatest care of her family, immediate and extended, all with
the help of her husband, and best friend Frank. Sheila spent
her early years living on her maternal family’s farm in
Grand Mira South, while her father was posted during the Second World
War. She, Frank, and their children, spent many years
travelling back and forth to the farm to help with whatever needed
doing, from cutting hay, to picking apples, to tending the
animals. Sheila grew up in nature, and nature remained a
passion for her all her life. She loved being in the country
with her family, picking blueberries, and swimming in the Mira
River. She was a remarkable gardener, with a special gift
for growing roses. Her ability to nurture plants seemed to
easily translate into an ability to nurture relationships, being
respected for her intelligence, and cherished for her kindness, by all
who were lucky to know her. Sheila leaves this world a
better place for having been in it.
Sheila is survived by her husband Franklin (Frank) Keith,
daughters Sylvia, Paula (Sandy) Dowie, Carolyn, and Linda Bryden all
of Sydney, brothers Michael (Delores), William (Linda), and Harold
(Jane), all of Sydney, grandchildren Brian, Matthew, Gabriel, Sam,
Margaret, Jennifer, and great grandchild Charlotte. She is
also survived by several nieces and nephews, with special mention of
her dear Godson, William (Billy) Graham Jr. (Jennifer), Saint
Catherine’s Ontario.
Shelia was predeceased by a sister Mary Ellen (7 months), and
brother and sister-in-law James Graham (Carrie).
Funeral mass will be held Saturday December 29, 2018 at 11:00
am at St. Theresa’s Church, with Rev. Dennis Lamey
officiating. Interment will be at a later
date.
Special thanks to the care provided by Dr. Khodadad,
Palliative Care, and the VON.
Memorials may be made to Palliative Care or the Cape Breton
Cancer Center at the CBRH.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Shelia Burns 19392018..
Death notice for the town of: Sydney, Province: Nova Scotia