Marie Ryall
November 16, 1938 – February 14, 2021
With broken hearts we announce the unexpected death of Marie Ryall, age 82, who passed away in St. Clare’s Hospital on February 14, 2021. But you know, broken hearts are ones that have been loved.
Mom was a light in many lives, but she shone the brightest in the company of her family. She has left to grieve her only child Rhonda Layman (Keith) Lower Sackville NS Also in mourning are her cherished grandchildren, Adam Layman, Brampton Ont, Mark Layman (Justine Halliday) Lower Sackville, NS and Julia Shrubb (James) in Petawawa Ont. She was a proud and happy Great Gram to her precious little ones Sam, Peter, Jack, Aggie, and Theo. The grandchildren have fond memories of many summer vacations on Holbrook Avenue. They all enjoyed the road trip back to Nova Scotia. She made it another vacation, enjoying the journey and stopping along the way for go kart rides and ice cream. Marie basked in the company of children, as she matched them well in capacity for enthusiastic simple fun.
Marie was a tireless and dedicated volunteer, giving her abundant time and energy to many organizations which included Agnes Pratt Nursing Home, Veterans Pavilion, Pastoral Care at St. Clare’s, various seniors programs and more through the decades. She enjoyed the social interactions and the large group of friends that grew around her. And also the free music and entertainment! In 2013 she was a Recipient of the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award (Thanks Joyce). She was also the recipient of many other awards for her tireless volunteering efforts. Although she was very humble by nature, I always suspected she secretly enjoyed the attention just a tiny bit. And well she should. Mom had a unique way of making everyone she met feel special. In addition to her family, of whom she was very proud, Marie‘s countless daily acts of kindness to all she touched will be her legacy.
Living and loving life to the fullest, she found joy in simple pleasures. Music and dancing were favourite activities as well as walking and bowling. She loved line dancing, all the more because it embarrassed her son-in-law. She delighted in a good game of cards or Rummoli, as evidenced by the tubs of nickels that we just finished putting into 95 rolls. Nature called out to her, strolling a sunny path, listening to birds and babbling brooks. She always looked forward to a picnic or weekend in the country. She was a great listener and a loyal confidant. Mom also had a great poker face, and could look you straight in the eye and tell a big fat lie any time. And no one would ever be the wiser unless she wanted them to.
Marie will be missed by many good friends, but none more so than her Golden Girls, Barbara, Lorraine, Barbara, and especially Joyce Penney. Their loving friendship was a pillar in her life. The secrets of their many slumber parties will forever remain hidden in the bottom a wine bottle, never to be uncorked.
Anyone who knew Marie knows how she felt about cooking, or doing anything in the kitchen, so she was not displeased when presented with a coffee mug saying “I only have a kitchen because it came with the house.” While a different person might have been offended, she displayed it like a trophy. She never met a tea bun she didn’t like, and she just could not pass by a Thrift Shop without stopping in. The collection of miniature knickknacks and figurines populate her house like Munchkins and I fear someday they will break out singing “We’re Off to see the Wizard”. Mom would have loved to have met a Wizard.
Mom grew up with very little and she learned early on how to stretch a dollar. Well, the habit stuck and she simply could not throw anything out. Under every bed, and on the shelves of every closet are very tidy and neatly labeled boxes of ribbons and bows, empty gift boxes, tissue paper, and bubble wrap, pillows, kitchen linens, office supplies, and anything she ever got for free! In the basement, boxes labeled “Broken Toaster” and “Broken Christmas Lights” sit proudly surrounded by similar precious treasures. Her grandchildren had the biggest laugh when she showed them her package of underwear repair elastic.
For Rhonda’s 50th birthday Marie generously took her and Julia on a wonderful trip to Ireland. One evening, while visiting Galway and surrounds, the various parties in the group were presented with the challenge of composing a limerick. The three girls were heard giggling late into the night by their neighbouring hotel occupants. And Marie tried to look innocent the next day when Julia presented their entry:
The was a young girl from Galway
Who met a young laddie one day
They walked for a while and She said with a smile,
Sure your cockle and mussels
Will sure put a tingle in my Dingle Bay
Marie is the only person known to have managed to be stung by a wasp on her lady parts. (Insert your own joke here.)
Mom was predeceased by her fiercely devoted mother Mildred Westcott, who raised mom as a single parent long before that term was even coined.
Very special thanks to Dr. Farrell and Nurse Sarah at St. Clare’s, whose compassion will never be forgotten.
The wretched pandemic has made it impossible to fulfil Marie‘s plan for her own Celebration at present, but hopefully it will occur later in the year. Arrangements through Caul’s Funeral Home, where online condolences can be shared, or send email to marieryall@hotmail.com
Donations in Marie‘s memory are welcome at a charity of your choice. But truly, her wish would be for your kindness in the world.
“if there ever comes a day when we cannot be together,
keep me in your heart. I’ll stay there forever.”
From Winnie the Pooh
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Marie Ryall 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Torbay, Province: T-N