Shelley Dawn Ryan

1972 - 2013

Shelley Dawn Ryan obituary, 1972-2013

BORN

1972

DIED

2013

FUNERAL HOME

Ettinger Funeral Home - Shubenacadie

2812 Highway 2

Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia

Shelley Ryan Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Apr. 26, 2013.

RYAN (Miller), Shelley Dawn - 40, of Oakfield
"There are two ways to live your life. One is though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." Albert Einstein .It is with heavy hearts that we announce that our own 'Miracle Girl' passed away at the QEII on April 24th, 2013. Shelley was honoured to be the recipient of a heart transplant 17 years ago. This miracle medical procedure extended her life by almost two decades and Shelley did not waste a day of this precious gift. She was a passionate advocate for organ donation and spokesperson for the Working Miracles Campaign for the QE 11 Health Science Centre Foundation. She obtained her Masters Degree in Adult Education and taught in Atlanta Georgia. She later worked at Maritime Business Academy, the Insurance Brokers Association of NS, and most recently with her husband at Cores Worldwide. She married her husband Andrew, her 'Soul Matey' and together they were loving, fun and active parents to their daughter Leah – who will every day feel the legacy of Shelley's pride and love. The health challenges that Shelley faced allowed her to savour and appreciate the gift of an ordinary day, something that many of us take for granted - sitting by the water, going to a concert, cooking dinner with family, taking a sailing vacation with friends or strolling with her dog. Shelley was blessed with a large circle of loyal friends who benefited from her intelligence, sense of humour, quick wit and her dynamic character. Shelley was born in Truro, and was the daughter of Brian Miller (Sandra) and Marilyn (Teed) Miller and Doug Benjamin both of Shubenacadie. She was extremely close to and is also survived by her ukulele-playing maternal grandmother Eleanor (GG) Teed who was always a pillar of support. She is also survived by brother Jeff and his wife Marcie (Erika, Calvin, Duncan and Evelyn) of Ottawa, Ontario, and her sister Rhonda Cherneski and her husband Terry (Mikayla and Shae-Lynn) of Dauphin, Manitoba, and step-grandmother Muriel Miller. Shelley had a large and very supportive extended family. She will greatly missed by Aunt Brenda (Teed) and Wade Morrisey, Aunt Norma (Teed) and Kendall Purdy, Aunt Gail (Miller) and Graham Garroway, her step-siblings Pam Wallace-Smith, Paul Wallace (& Meredith), her cousins Meghan, Andrew, Lauren, Aaron, Diana, Kevin, Autumn, Keigan, Jessica, Lynden, Cheryl and Roger, her loving mother-in-law Nancy Ryan (the late George Ryan) and sister-in-law Stephanie Ryan and Jim Jardine.Shelley was predeceased by her paternal grandparents Stanley and Millie Miller, Uncle Freddie Miller, Aunt Karen Freeman (Miller) and maternal grandfather Russell Teed, as well as her sidekick and "Pooper Dog" Farley. Shelley would want to give a big shout out to her extremely dedicated transplant team that she trusted implicitly, especially her girl Kate. You do important work, thank you for your dedication.Special thanks and appreciation to friends and neighbours on Parkview and the community who consistently offer support and love whenever needed.Cremation will occur. Funeral services are under the care of Ettinger Funeral Home 2812 Highway 2, Shubenacadie. Visitation will be on Saturday April 27 from 6-8pm, with a service Sunday April 28 at 2pm, both at Ettinger Funeral Home. A reception will follow the Sunday service at the Enfield Legion, 50 Old Enfield Road. Interment will occur at a later date.Donations may be made to The Organ Transplantation Fund (T070) at www.qe2foundation.ca. Please quote Fund # T070 in the "Additional Information" box The best remembrance of Shelley would be to please sign your organ donor card, hug your loved ones, and enjoy the gift of an ordinary day.
This is National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week.

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58 Entries

June 16, 2013

AM Giberson

Dear Shelley, you were always a perfect lady and so talented in many ways. You are a blessing to all your many friends. The Lord of The Dance is a fitting tribute and I want to Thank You for being You...
AnneMarie Giberson and family

May 6, 2013

Jodi Cruickshank

Beautiful memories. Thank you for sharing and happy to have known Shelley and shared in a wonderful 'Ryan' Family vacation.

May 3, 2013

Laurie and Margaret Singer

For her families -

"..and now abide faith, hope, and love, these three; but the greatest of these is love."

Think often of the love between you and Shelley.

Sincerely,

May 2, 2013

Cecil Ferguson

Andrew and Leah, The quote from Einstein is a perfect reflection of her life. We should all endeavour to live, and love life, the way she did. She has left an impression on the heart of all who knew her, and we can't begin to imagine the depth of your loss. If you should ever need anything.........just let us know. Cecil and Jo Ferguson

May 1, 2013

Ernie Lively

Brian , Sandra and family :
So,so saddened to learn of the passing of Shelley. I remember visiting during her transplant ,and how she inspired me to become an organ donor at that time. We can only imagine how many she has inspired since.Such a beautiful person in every way.

April 30, 2013

Judy (Forbes) Mason

Andrew, So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

April 29, 2013

Matthew Tibbo

Andrew, I am so sorry for you and your daughter's loss. I will never forget the kindness that you and Shelley showed me when you took me into your home for those two months. Shelley was a very special person, who treated me like family. I will always remember her beautiful smile, her strength and courage. My thoughts are with you and your family.

April 29, 2013

what a beautiful girl to be gone so young my thoughts and prayers are with you all marjorie densmore thompson

April 28, 2013

Darlene MacNeil

So sad to hear this news, just saw her waiting on Leah at dance not long ago....reminds us all to hold each day as a treasure.... RIP Shelly!

April 28, 2013

Sorry to hear of Shelley's passing, but so happy to learn about the life she created. I knew Shelly well, before and after her transplant. I was the Promotion/Education Coordinator and on call transplant coordinator for the Transplant Program at the time.
She gave of her time to travel to speaking engagements with me and to meet and serve donor families at events honoring the memory of their loved one. On one occasion a donor family felt that the recipient of an organ from their loved one had been at the event. They did not know for sure who it was, but it was Shelly. And she was a vibrant young woman at her best at that event. So happy to learn she lived an enjoyable and full life.
Condolences to family and friends.
Nellie Allen, Sackville NS

April 28, 2013

Erika Sheehy

Brian, Marilyn and families
So sorry to hear of Shelley's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Her beautiful smile and positive attitude will remain in our memories always.
Erika and Dan Sheehy

April 28, 2013

Andrew & Leah,

You have lost a special gal. Her lovely spirit and go get em attitude is what made her stand out to me. I love someone that isn't afraid to live their truth, and that she certainly did. Thinking of you and Leah. Our thoughts and energy are with you. Margaret Gallant & Jamie Blanchard and girls (Prince Edward Island)

April 28, 2013

Paulette (Anthony) Pye

So sorry to hear of your loss. I've told the story of Shelley to many people over the years. She was truly an inspiration to all, her beautful smile; always happy. Thinking of you all with fond memories, hugs.

April 28, 2013

Catherine Gould

Andrew & Leah,
My heart aches for you two at this time. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Shelley was a special person - always smiling and full of kindness. Please take comfort knowing that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Hugs!

April 28, 2013

Susan(Cox) Price

So sorry to hear of Shelleys passing..I remember when I used to babysit and would hold her for hours..May all your happy memories help you through this sad and difficult time..My prayers are with you all.

April 28, 2013

Heather Kerr

Andrew, sending my deepest condolences to you at this difficult time. I will remember Shelley always as beautiful inside and out. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Leah, and family.

April 28, 2013

Brian,Sandra & family: So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts & prayers are with you. Sincerely Shirley,Deanna & Dwayne Spencer

April 28, 2013

student

Shelley was my teacher at MBC and I wouldn't have made it through without her. She was an angel on earth and now in the sky. You will be missed by all who met you.

April 27, 2013

Danielle Ham Tucker

My dog Daisy & I knew Shelley & Farley when she lived here in Atlanta. She was an amazing friend and such a great woman. She spent one Thanksgiving with my family too. She will be so missed and we are all very sad that the bubbly lady we knew is gone. I hope she and Farley are playing together today and that thought makes me smile. The impact she made on people is far reaching, even here in Georgia. God bless you all and may peace be with you.
Love,
Danielle (Ham) Tucker and The Gary Ham Family

April 27, 2013

Perry MacPhee

To the Miller and Ryan family
Sorry to hear of your loss.

April 27, 2013

Helen McDonell

Brian, Sandy and family:
There are not enough words to express how I feel except that I will miss her wonderful smile, her kindness, her thoughtfullness and how she could be a friend and support to all that crossed her path !

April 27, 2013

Ruby (Beal) Hopkins-Tudor

It has been a blessing to have known Shelley through elementary and high school... her wit and smile will truly be missed, as both her and her courage has been so admirable... my deepest condolences to Andrew and Leah, Brian and Marilyn, Jeff and Rhonda and her extended family and close friends during this difficult time. She's certainly left a legacy that will live on forever. RIP Shelley xo

April 27, 2013

Myrna and Dave Palmer

We loved Shelley with all our hearts. She was a joy to get to know while she and Dave where getting their masters together. Our times here in Atlanta will always be remembered so fondly. When she knew she wanted to find her sole mate there was no question that it was time to return to Nova Scotia and find Andrew. She was so happy to have her family complete. A beautiful life well lived. We will miss you forever sweet friend.

April 27, 2013

Mark Jennings

Brian and family;

Sorry to hear of the passing of a beautiful and caring family member, we will miss her smiling face and her laughter. She was a beautiful woman who loved life and tried to live it to the fullest. Remember she is not alone because she has family with her now.
We love you and miss you Shelley
Love always

April 27, 2013

I have such fond memories of Shelley, Jeff and Rhonda when they were babies and then toddlers those times I was there on Fri. or Sat. evenings when I was a teenager myself.

Please accept my, and my folks, sincerest condolences in your loss.

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.” ? a headstone in Ireland

Sincerely, Diane, Edna and Ralph, Jeff Bilby

April 27, 2013

Lisa Bennett

my condolences, in the loss of such a beautiful and strong person,may the many memories u have be a comfort in the days to follow and know Shelly is with u always ....our heart aches for all of Shelly's family and friends ....R.I.P.Shelly u were a great inspiration to all who had the pleasure of meeting u... Karen Fulton and Lisa Bennett

April 27, 2013

Michael Demmons

I was very fortunate to have gotten to know Shelley - who was my cousin, by the way - during our time together in Atlanta. I am very sorry and deeply saddened to hear this news. Those who knew her, even for a short while, laughed every time she was around. An amazingly funny, wonderful woman who, while I haven't seen her in some time, will be greatly missed.

April 27, 2013

Malcolm Wilson

Shelly was a great spirit and wonderfull person. I will miss her and always have her in my memories.

April 27, 2013

Grant & Christa Williams

Brian, Sandra and families
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts, prayers and hearts go out to you and yours.

April 27, 2013

brenda campbell

To Brian and family...thinking of you at this sad time and praying wonderful memories will help to carry you through your grief.
Brenda and Rob Campbell

April 27, 2013

Shelley was such a wonderful girl and young lady! Always a smile and such a student. We all know our children are miracles but you were twice blessed. Hold your wonderful thoughts close to your heart and God bless. Jean and Bruce King (Rines Creek)

April 27, 2013

We are sending our most sincere condolences to shelleys entire family at this sad time, from the girls at Rosebowl Flowers.

April 26, 2013

Michelle Murray

I'm so saddened to hear of Shelley's passing. Andrew, thinking of you and your daughter. I know the community, friends and family are pulling together to be there for you and I am keeping you in my thoughts during this difficult time. Shelley was an amazing woman, I always enjoyed my time with her when visiting the lake; she was always so friendly, inspiring. Take care, Michelle

April 26, 2013

Thomas Ettinger

My deepest sympathy to the family! I'll always remember that beautiful smile!

April 26, 2013

May the love you shared surround you with comfort,and may the memories you've made wrap you in their warmth.

April 26, 2013

Dolores Richard

May the love you shared surround you with comfort,and may the memories you've made wrap you in their warmth.She will be missed.

April 26, 2013

Jennifer and Gary Randall

Ours hearts go out to you at this time and the days ahead. She will be truly missed.....such a wonderful person.

April 26, 2013

Diane Dingle

Such a beautiful soul, so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with all of you. She taught us all a great life lesson....

April 26, 2013

Gerald and Marilla Knol

Brian and Sandra,Marilyn and Doug and families.
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your beautiful Shelley.

April 26, 2013

To Brian and Family,
May you find the strength to endure these tough times of grief losing your beloved daughter. She is resting in gods hands, no longer suffering, her legacy will become an icon for those who live within the heart transplant foundation. Shelly was a true blessing to all who knew her.
Andy and Kimmie xoxo

April 26, 2013

Troy & Claudia Preiss

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. Shelley was an inspiration to all.

April 26, 2013

Dolly Mosher

I am so sorry to hear of Shelley's passing. I remember I first met her when I wrote an article about her transplant. She was such an inspiration for such a young woman. I hope you her family are wrapped in a blanket of memories that will see you through the loss of this beautiful young woman.

April 26, 2013

Malcolm White

My deepest condolences to the entire family. She will be truly missed by all that had the pleasure of having her cross their path in life. My thoughts and prayers to all that knew her...

April 26, 2013

Tessy Palmer

A life taken far too young, but a legacy that will live on. Our deepest sympathies for your loss. Clay and Tessy Palmer.

April 26, 2013

Leona Stephen

Marilyn and all.I am so sorry to hear of Shelley,s passing.I have heard so many nice words about her.God be with you all.Love and hugs. Aunt Noni,Soo ON.

April 26, 2013

Please accept our deepest condolences for the loss of Shelly. Her wonderful legacy has touched all. Let God's light embrace her for eternity. The Dubeau family

April 26, 2013

Raelene (Price) Rose

I was so saddened to hear about Shelley. She was a wonderful person with a beautiful smile

April 26, 2013

To Shelley's family, we were so sorry to hear of Shelley's passing. That wonderful smile will live on in everyone's memories. Stephen & Carolyn Nelson

April 26, 2013

Michelle Corning

~ I am so sorry to hear of your families loss. I went to High School with Shelly and can still remember her smile in the halls. Although we did not run in the same circles she was always nice. Please accept my sincere condolences. Michelle (Boutilier) Corning

April 26, 2013

Andrew, Leah and family,
George and I were deeply saddened to hear of Shelley's passing.
May all the wonderful memories of her special gifts and time spent together as a family help you at this difficult time.
Susan Burbridge, George and Chelsea Longaphy

April 26, 2013

Darlene Carter Garden

Brian,Marilyn,Rhonda,Jeff and families,I am so saddened to learn of Shelley's passing.She was truly a beautiful person inside and outside.May you embrace the wonderful memories and her beautiful smile.

April 26, 2013

Andrew,Leah and extended families, I wanted to let you know how deeply saddened I was to hear of Shelley's passing. She was so vibrant and full of life and such a beautiful person. I can't even imagine how difficult it was for her as a wife and mother to leave you and Leah. You're in my thoughts. I'm sure your families will be there to embrace you during this difficult time, however if there is anything I can do, please let me know. Therese Henman- Phillips

April 26, 2013

Boyd Prest

Andrew and Leah,
Please accept our most sincere condolences in your great loss of a wife and mother. Everything we have heard about Shelley tells us she was a true "Champion"

Boyd Prest and Wanda Dahr
Mooseland

Posted by Boyd Prest

April 26, 2013

Vicki MacPhee

Brian and family

So deeply sorry to hear of your loss, Shelley was an inspiration to all.

Knowing you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

Vicki MacPhee, Wade Miller and family.

April 26, 2013

Dawn Barnet

Andrew, and family, words cannot express our sorrow for your loss. Shelley was a true miracle in more ways than one, and I am deeply saddened by her passing. Andrew, you and Shelley hold a special place in my heart, and I will be forever thankful for knowing her the brief time that I had with her.

April 26, 2013

Sean and Karen MacPhee

Andrew, Leah and all the family, our hearts go out to you in this tough time. She was a true bright light in this world and with her memory that light will continue to shine. She will be missed. Sincerely, Sean and Karen MacPhee

April 26, 2013

Jasmine Leger

No other teacher has stuck in my mind as Shelley has. She was energetic, loving, realistic, and above all she had respect for you not only as a student but as a human being. She understood that sharing a bit of herself with the class meant the students would share of themselves too, which made learning that much better, that much easier and made the classroom a place you wanted to be in. From day one she made us laugh and made the whole college thing feel like another day with a friend. I am grateful for having known here, if even for just a short time. Thank you Shelley, you will be missed.

April 26, 2013

Kelly (DeLong) Marcoux

Marilyn, Brian, Rhonda and Jeff;
My condolences on the loss of your beloved daughter and sister. You are in my thoughts at this sad time.
Sincerely,
Kelly (DeLong) Marcoux

Showing 1 - 58 of 58 results

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Funeral services provided by:

Ettinger Funeral Home - Shubenacadie

2812 Highway 2, Shubenacadie, NS B0N 2H0

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