Mom was born in Inverness on November 3,1940 and grew up on Mabou Ridge, she is survived by her children, Willie (Karen), Johnny (Gail Gibbons), Ellen (Rodney Gillis), Phonsey (Carrie), Elaine (John McDonald), Darrell (Linda MacDonald); and her grandchildren whom she loved dearly, Logan Gillis (Megan MacPherson), Ryan Murphy, Jennifer Lewis(Michael), Shawn Murphy, Dylan Murphy, Mitchell Murphy, Kaylan Murphy, Marli Gillis, James Murphy, Jake Gillis, Daniel Murphy, Nickolas Murphy and Lexi McDonald; siblings, Helen Surette (late Art), Jim (late Pat), Jack, Bryden (Maxine), Mary Elizabeth Nahirny (Mike) and AJ; dear friend & sister-in-law, Mary Ryan; brother-in-law, Andy Leochko; many nieces & nephews;
She was predeceased by her parents, Alphonsus and Sadie (MacLeod) Ryan; son, Alphonsus Gerard (1966); husband, Bowden (2014); siblings, Francis, James, Bernard, Liguori, Jerome, Gertrude & Noreen; sister-in-law, Betty Ryan; brothers-in-law, Sandy Sanford, Art Surette and all of her Murphy in laws.
Mom graduated from Nova Scotia Normal College in 1959 & taught in Mabou Harbour, Mabou Ridge and River Denys; married in 1963, started a family & became a stay-at-home mom. Mom struggled with her mental health after the loss of her infant son but never wavered in her faith. She could be relied upon for prayers for all those in need; there were countless cookies, biscuits, pies & meals made for both the CWL and family, no one left hungry. She loved a hot cup of tea, visits with family & friends, baking, knitting, walking, gardening, watching General Hospital, an A&W momma burger, going to lunch with friends and a good fiddle tune. Mom had a quick wit that brought many laughs! While dementia took the present day from Mom and her family, it erased the saddest parts of the past, which was both a blessing and a curse.
Mom received remarkable care while still at home from her always on call nurse & dear friend, Marie Moran; caregivers Mary MacNeil, Amber MacDonald & Nicole Hawley with whom she shared many laughs; in her short stay at the Foyer Pere Fiset, she was treated like a queen and greeted everyone with a smile. To the staff, sitters, nurses and Drs’ Maillet, Sonier & Chiasson of the Foyer; to the staff, sitters, nurses & Dr Lowry at ICMH; to Dr Amy MacDonald & Dr William Booth, retired nurse Ronata Brophy in Antigonish and Inverness County Home Care staff, Thank You All!
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of all the faithfully departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Visitation will take place on Thursday June 5, 2025, in Port Hood & Area Resting Place from 3-7 pm with Funeral Mass to take place on Friday June 6, 2025, at 3pm, burial to follow at St Peter’s parish cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the Inverness Funeral Home. Family flowers only! Donations may be made to the Port Hood & Area Resting Place.
Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com
