Obituary
Rodena (Dena) O’Handley
Sydney Mines
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our mother, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law and friend. Rodena (Dena) O’Handley, aged 70, who passed away peacefully on Saturday December 26, 2020 at the Northside General Hospital after a ten-year battle that she faced with dignity and persistence.
Born in Sydney, August 26, 1950, Dena was the daughter of the late George and Vonnie (MacInnis) MacLean. She lived all of her life in a number of places in Cape Breton, including North Sydney, Boisdale, Port Hawkesbury, Beaver Cove, and finally in Sydney Mines.
Dena is survived by her three sons and their families; Darryl and Tammy with their two sons, William and Mason, British Columbia; Christopher and Cindy with their son Brayden, Dartmouth; Kyle and Robin with their children, Isaac and Emilia, River Ryan. She is also survived by seven brothers and sisters – Margie (Fred) MacDonald, Ronnie (Lorraine) MacLean, Joe MacLean, Rita Holic, George (Denise) MacLean, Basil (Theresa) MacLean and Miriam Poirier (Bruce), sister-in-law Kathleen (John A.) MacNeil, brothers-in-law John O’Handley, Roy O’Handley and Leonard O’Handley, as well as dozens of nieces and nephew on top of countless friends.
Besides her parents Dena was predeceased by her beloved husband, Gerard, as well as her father and mother-in-law, Roddie and Sarah O’Handley, and two nephews, Michael and Ronnie MacLean, sister-in-law Anne Marie Donovan.
Dena was an avid sports fan and played softball in her younger years. Dena was happiest when surrounded by family and friends for one of her home-cooked meals, followed by ‘the tea’ and, of course, a game of cards. She dearly loved her boys and five grandchildren, visiting them as often as she could.
Her three sons would like to take this opportunity to thank all of her friends and family that were there for her recently and over the years. We would like to especially thank her guardian angel, her sister and best friend Rita. From the bottom of our hearts thank you Aunt Rita.
A celebration of Dena’s life will take place at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney. Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Hills of Boisdale Coummunity Association. Online condolences may be sent to www.wjdooley.com .
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rodena Frances (MacLean) O’Handley, please visit our floral store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Rodena Frances MacLean O’Handley August 26 1950 December 26 2020 (age 70)..
Death notice for the town of: North-Sydney, Province: Nova Scotia