Brenda Mary Small

SMALL, Brenda Mary (Ryan) – Passed away December 10, 2011 and the gates of heaven opened and a new angel entered. With her beloved husband Bob by her side and the wonderful staff at the QEII (5A) after a hard fought battle with Ovarian Cancer. Brenda was born in Tuam, County Galway Ireland, to the late Michael and Sheila Ryan. She was educated in Ireland and did a 4 year nursing degree. Brenda came to Canada in January 1982, and joined the staff of the old VG shortly thereafter and continued her career until illness prevented her from doing what she dearly loved, taking care of people. The last 10 years of her nursing career was spent as a Research Coordinator in the pharmaceutical clinical trials which she was so passionate about. Along with her beloved husband Bob, she committed herself to helping others in volunteering. A member of the cast of the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, Skate Canada Championship, Halifax, 2004 Woman’s International Ice Hockey Championship, 2005 Roar of the Rings Olympic Curling Trials, BMO Canadian LPGA Championships, Glen Arbour, 2010 Canadian Brier – Halifax. Her greatest joy was ‘OPS we Care’ at the Military Family Resource Centre sending morale packages to our deployed military members around the world. Brenda loved Nova Scotia, especially Cape Breton and the trips to PEI and the friends she made, but there was no place like Ireland and this showed in their annual trips. Her greatest assets were her faith and kindness. Brenda loved to bowl, golf, read and make jewelery with all her proceeds going to Ovarian Cancer Research. She is survived by her soul mate Bob, daughter Genevieve (James), grandsons Sean and Adrian, sisters Phil (Bernard) Canada, Joan, England, Helen (Johnny) Ireland, Eithne (Ger) Ireland, step-daughter Christin (Shannon), nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins and friends, and also her foster child in India. A special debt of gratitude is extended to Shirley Foster for her wonderful friendship and her love and support for Brenda’s many appointments and chemo treatments. Also many thanks to the staff on 5A, chemotherapy unit and the NS Cancer Centre. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will take place at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr., Halifax (902) 455-0531 on December 16th from 6-8pm. Celebration of Life Mass, officiated by Fr. Roberto Donato, will be held on Saturday, December 17th at 11:00am, St. Catherine of Siena Church, 6476 Bayer’s Road, Halifax. Reception to follow. Donations to Ovarian Cancer Research or Heart and Stroke Foundation. Please visit: www.jasnowfuneralhome.com

“Til we meet again”