Obituary of Shirley McNabb

McNabb, Shirley,RN (Sydney River, formerly of Glace Bay) With a deep sense of loss, yet celebrating a life well-lived, we announce the passing of Shirley McNabb on May 30, 2022, at home surrounded by her family. Born in 1929 in Glace Bay, NS, Shirley was the proud daughter of W.R. and Hattie (Nickerson) Crowell. She is predeceased by her parents, her beloved son Bruce, and siblings Roy, Vivian, Phyllis, Earl, Audrey and Beth. She is survived by her devoted husband of almost 70 years Ray, children Debra (Kate Dodds), Paula (André Gallant) and their sons Graeme and Max, and David (Ruth Clarke) and their sons Cai and Luke. Shirley was a treasured member of a large extended family. She is survived by her brothers George (Jean deceased) and Donald (Joyce). She was a “sister” to the McNabbs, including Rena Antle, Anne Rennie Eileen McIntrye and Larry McNabb(Bertie), (Priscilla, Marge, Gord and Jean, deceased) and is fondly remembered by brother-in-law Bill Noseworthy and sisters-in-law Isabel Crowell and Kay McNabb, as well as many nieces, nephews and grand nieces and grand nephews. Shirley graduated from the Glace Bay General Hospital School of Nursing in 1951, and was forever a nurse, teaching and working before marriage, and returning to the profession in the 1980s after raising her children. She had lots of fun with her pals from Second East of the Glace Bay Community Hospital and enjoyed participating with fellow graduates in a number of nursing reunions over the years. She also had been the unofficial nurse of her beloved Rosewood Street, applying a salve, removing stitches and comforting neighbourhood kids who showed up at her door. Shirley was an excellent baker. We have fond memories of her delicious homemade pies, bread and rolls; and everyone loved her Halloween treats of sponge candy and just-crunchy-enough taffy apples. She was an expert seamstress, even making us tiny clothes for our Barbies, knit us many treasured sweaters and lovingly crafted quilts for each of her grandsons. Perhaps her greatest talent was her keen sense of mischief which she displayed right until the end. The family wishes to express deep appreciation to daughter Paula and her family who shared their home with Ray and Shirley for twenty years and have been very attentive to their care as they aged. Special thanks are offered to Dr. Stephen MacDougall and staff, Handi-Trans and their wonderful drivers, VON, the staff of the Hemo Dialysis Unit, Walmart Pharmacy, Shopper’s Drug Mart Pharmacy and to the Palliative Care home program. Heartfelt appreciation is sent to Ann MacDonald and Lynn-Ann Campbell for their many kindnesses. Arrangements have been entrusted to T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists. Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, June 10, 2022 at 2 p.m. at T.J. Tracey, 370 Reserve St., Glace Bay, NS (902-849-4199). Reception to follow. Masking is preferred. In lieu of flowers, donations in Shirley’s memory can be made to VON Cape Breton. As Shirley left us, she felt she had not done enough good deeds, while we think she had done many. In her memory, please consider doing a good deed.