The Sears Family of Antigonish announces the
passing of their matriarch, Shirley Delores (Foley) Sears. She was 91
years young! Born in Glace Bay, she fittingly passed peacefully on
Cape Breton soil at the Manor in Inverness. She was the youngest of 13
children who tragically lost their father in a coal mining accident
when she was eight. Shirley was predeceased by her parents, Alice
(MacIntyre) and Thomas Foley, her brothers, Dr. Bill Foley (Gert),
Antigonish, Allan (Margaret), Glace Bay, John (Isabel), Glace Bay,
Thomas (Dorothy), Glace Bay, Daniel, Montreal/Glace Bay, and sisters,
Rita, (Sister) Mary (Gerald O’Brien), Montreal, Marcella
(Frank Murphy), Sydney, Carmella (Greg Chapel), Ontario/Sydney,
Eleanor (Ken Stone) Victoria and Patricia, Glace Bay.
Shirley attributed her sense of style to watching her
siblings get gussied up for date nights with meagre accessories. Her
sharp wit and quick mind were undoubtedly forged listening to the
happy household banter.
Shirley graduated high school top of her class and she helped
pay her way through Teachers College by working as nanny in Cape Cod
for a number of summers. During these summers she developed her
lifelong love for the New York times and politics.
Her first teaching job was in Beech Hill in a primary to
grade 12 one room school set-up. Being a petite 19-year-old, she has
always maintained, that not only were most of the students bigger than
her, but some were older too! She had no problem showing who was the
boss, a trait us kids lived under and loved for the duration of her
life.
She married the dashing trumpet playing businessman Tom Sears
in 1952. They quickly started a family with five boys in quick
succession followed by their girl! AJ (Anita Chisholm), Tommy (Noreen
Anthony, daughter Terri & sons Darryl & Randy),
Garrett (Lesley Amundrud, daughter Randi and son Philip), Sean
(Barbara Thomson), Shannon (Shelley Leadbetter, son Leland, daughters
Kylie, and Erin (Owen de Vries and great grandson Emmett). Finally,
and thank god it’s a girl Carrie (Doug Fraser, daughter
Hailey and son Matthew) arrived. She was a fiercely loyal mother,
friend, and confidant to all her kids and grand
children.
To say the grandkids adored her would be an understatement.
From her magic garden, the little playhouse, Star Wars marathons and
playing the card game Skip-BO; Jimtown was a must-do summer vacation
for at least a week…maybe two…maybe three.
They all loved going to Nannigonish!
Many will remember Mom from her years as Chairperson of the
Regional High School. She fought tooth and nail for funding for
everything, including a memorable meeting with John “Nova”
Chisholm to pave the parking lot. With no money in sight, she was
asking a big favour, but John later would quip “I thought it was
an order and not a request”.
Shirley or as many of us affectionally called her
“Sherlock” was smart, very fun and she was always up for a
challenge. After ordering a set of water skis via the New
York Times, the beginning of Tom and Chuck O’Brien first
water skiing adventure, she quickly was skiing on one ski. When
Keppoch was started she became a ski instructor and was instrumental
in co-developing the Charlie Brown program to the delight of many
young skiers. She became a Licensed Scuba Diver, Ham radio operator,
was an accomplished short story writer, and after decades on the water
earned her Marine Master designation.
Sailing became a huge part of Tom and Shirley’s
life with many excursions. The summers spent on the Bra’Dor
Lakes were truly memorable. Being able to take a couple friends
sailing with the folks was sought after, no iPhones to distract us
from the scenery! The highlight was their year spent in the
Bahama’s with their two younger children with visits from
their very jealous older brothers! We didn’t realize at the
time that most 50-year-old woman with six kids didn’t wear
bikinis.
In many respects, she was ahead of the times, doing Yoga or
having an organic garden in the late 60’s was not
commonplace. Her stylish dress made many admire and some envy her
colourful combinations. She touched many of friend’s lives,
being an invite to family events or even to Christmas dinners. Simple
gestures that sometimes with lasting effects (A Christmas sock hung on
the fireplace for a new girlfriend made one son a
keeper).
Mom was many wonderful things, but her compassion, class,
kindness, and generosity could not be surpassed.
Shirley’s final years were spent at the beautiful Inverness
Manor. Surrounded by a loving professional staff who we will always be
indebted too. She passed away holding Carrie’s hand. Fitting
end to a grand journey.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Inverary
Manor, Inverness N.S. or a charity of your choice.
Nothing less
Than all the greatest stars and
suns
Compiling their
energy
Dripping down to
earth
Dreamt into being
From the arms of mother
earth
Kissed by fairies
Enchanted by gnomes
Your soul sings
through
Wrapped in wisdom and
creativity
Your heart bursts
Touching every
particle
Of the universe
Caring so much
Taking so little
You’re in every part of
me
You’re going to live
forever
because if it’s
the only thing
I ever do of meaning
I’ll pass
on
Every inch of love and
magic
You’ve ever shown
me.
A poem by Grand daughter
Randi Sears for Nannie (2010)
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Shirley Sears 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Antigonish, Province: Nova Scotia