The family of Ruby May Shea, 77, of Hebbs Cross and formerly
of London, ON, are very sad to announce her passing on September 23,
2022. Born April 9, 1945, she was the daughter of James
"Churchill" Tufts and Elsie May (Cross) Tufts.
Ruby is survived by her daughter Natasha Shea, Hebbs
Cross; sisters Rose Keddy, Mahone Bay; Rrene Lewis, Bridgewater;
brothers Roger and Randolph Tufts, Auburn; and Lincoln (Kim) Tufts,
Lawrencetown; and many nieces and nephews. She will also be missed by
the household kitties, especially her cat Adelaide.
She was predeceased by her parents; husband Ronald
Shea; brothers Ronald and Russell.
Born in
Middleton, NS, her life took her from Nova Scotia to Ontario and back
home again to Nova Scotia. As the oldest girl in her family, she
helped take care of her younger siblings, then worked outside the home
in childcare, until she married and started her family in
Shubenacadie. Later she returned to the workforce as a care giver,
while also working to obtain her high school diploma. She volunteered
in various organizations over the years, such as the London Coffee
House, where she spent many hours playing her favourite card game,
"13". She loved making and sharing crafts, and
holding dinners for her friends. Christmas was her favourite time of
year; she never held back on decorating; and it didn’t
matter what month it was, she was always happy to watch a Christmas
movie.
Ruby loved being around people. It
didn’t matter who you were or what your background was, she
had a smile for you and was happy to call you friend. She loved music
(she was an avid Johnny Cash fan) and social gatherings, as well as
evening bonfires at home. She recently discovered the Flourish 55+
Club, which she absolutely loved, and always looked forward to
listening to music there and being with her new friends. She also
loved animals and children, and gleefully welcomed the chance to
cuddle either when the chance was presented.
Ruby
survived three rounds against cancer in her life, and later battled
Alzheimer’s as well, but in the end, sadly, she lost her
final fight with cancer.
Ruby’s
daughter Natasha wishes to thank Nicole McIntosh, who spearheaded
Ruby’s care, and Dr. Timothy Riding; Kim Carlow-Berkeley and
the Palliative Care team, who "rattled chains" to
make Ruby comfortable during her last weeks; the VON team of nurses
and home care support workers; family and friends for support and kind
words, and particularly her aunt Rose, who was always available to
help out however needed. Thank you, I know my mom was
grateful for all of your love.
A Celebration of
Life will be held at a future date.
Donations in
Ruby’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society,
Canadian Alzheimer’s Society, the Flourish 55+ Club, or
SHAID. On-line condolences may be made by
visiting www.corkumfuneralhome.ca