Norma Elaine Ryan

We are broken hearted to share the news of the passing of our dear mom, Norma Ryan, on January 22, 2019 after a sudden illness. Mom was born on August 31st, 1933 and was raised in Springhill, Nova Scotia. After high school, she trained as a registered nurse at the Moncton Hospital School of Nursing, graduating at the top of her class in 1954. Mom continued her career as a RN until she retired in 1980 as a Nursing Supervisor at Camp Hill Hospital in Halifax. Mom also went on to attend MSVU where she studied gerontology. Mom excelled in academics and encouraged her daughters and grandchildren to pursue higher education.

Mom married our dad, Gerry Ryan, in 1956. Dad's job required them to live in many New Brunswick communities before finally settling in Dartmouth in 1969. More than anything, she loved all of her family and cherished times spent with them on the compound in Pugwash. There she enjoyed planting flowers, watching her garden grow, as well as long walks on the sandbars.

Mom was a member of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church and an active member of the Atlantic Mission Society serving as a Past President. She loved her crafts and sewing and used those skills to create unique gifts for friends and family. During the quiet moments you would often see Mom curled up reading a great book. She loved baking, cooking, playing cards with her club, her many friends including those at Horizon Court, as well as tackling the daily crosswords and puzzles. Mom was passionate about watching her grandkids play hockey, basketball, golf, and volleyball.

Mom was incredibly proud of her family and is survived by her loving daughters, Jocelyn Ryan-Wiggin (David), Dartmouth; Valerie Ryan (Clary MacPherson), New Glasgow; Andrea Ryan-Dow (Mike), Fall River. She was “Nana” to six grandchildren: Dr. Emily Wiggin (Jeff MacDonald), Patrick, Hilary, Keith, Luke, and Jordie. She was “GG” to her adorable great granddaughters, Kate and Avery; and not to be “fur”gotten the family pets: Rosie, Lily, and Yolo. She is survived by her brother Dr. Howard Harris, wife, Carol, and their seven children and families in Florida, niece, Dorothy Vaughan (Rick), and nephews, Jim Appleton (Heather), and Jeff Appleton (Shelley) and their families.

Mom was predeceased by her loving husband Gerry in 2012, her parents Dr. Aubrey and Edris Harris, her dearest sister Olive Appleton, and her brother-in-law, Art Appleton.

Please join us in celebrating Mom's life on Monday, January 28th at 2:00 p.m. at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Dartmouth, Rev. Dr. P A (Sandy) McDonald officiating. Donations may be made in Mom 's memory to St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church or a charity of your choice.