Obituary of Shirley Mae DeDieu

Shirley Mae DeDieu December 19, 1950 – August 20, 2024 Shirley Mae DeDieu (McNeil) passed away peacefully with her family by her side on the evening of August 20, 2024, in the Palliative Care Unit of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital in Sydney, NS. Shirley was born on December 19, 1950, to the late Aletha and Angus McNeil. She was a lifelong resident of Dominion and served as postmaster for many years. She was a very well-known and loved person in town and enjoyed having a beer with friends at the Shamrock. Shirley worked hard to help raise her younger siblings after her dad passed away at an early age. She was a very giving person and would do anything for her family and friends. In her younger years, Shirley played baseball and later volunteered as a coach. She enjoyed playing darts and spending time with family. Shirley’s daughter, Lauren, was her world; she was her pride and joy, and she loved her more than life itself. Shirley had cancer for the last few years of her life, but that didn’t slow her down. As her son-in-law Nick remarked, “I think no one told Shirley that she was sick.” She had a very positive attitude, and you would never hear her complain. She was always concerned about others and wanted to make sure that everyone was happy. Shirey was very grateful to her cousin Patsy, sister-in-law Lana, and good friend Puddy for their support during this time. Shirley had a wonderful last couple of months, busily preparing for the arrival of her daughter Lauren and sister Margie. She had a blast during Seaside Daze with family and friends, sharing lots of laughs and tearing up the town. Shirley is survived by her daughter Lauren (Nick), granddog Trinity, siblings Cathy, Margie (Malcom), Gerard, and Hector (Marie), sisters-in-law Elaine and Lynn, and ex-husband Sheldon. She is predeceased by her loving mom Aletha, father Angus, siblings Angus, David, and Arthur, sister-in-law Sharon, and granddog Lexie. A visitation will be held at T.J. Tracey’s Funeral Home, 370 Reserve St., Glace Bay, 902-849-4199, on Tuesday, August 27, 2024. from 1 – 2 p.m. with a service to follow at 2 p.m. After the service, a Celebration of Life will be held at the Shamrock (85 Commercial St., Dominion) – drop by and raise a glass to celebrate Shirley’s life and the memories shared. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the SPCA or a charity of your choice. Shirley’s love and strength will live on in the hearts of those she loved. She will be deeply missed. Words of remembrance may be shared with Shirley’s family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.