Shirley Faye Ruggles-Sullivan

September 27, 1928 – December 25, 2024 age 96.

It is with great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Shirley on December 25, 2024.  Those bright blue eyes and sharp mind have closed for the last time here on earth. She fought the battle to see Christmas and was so happy to see snow on Christmas Eve.  She appreciated the simple things in life but the nails, the hair and accessories had to be just so.

Born September 27, 1928 in Nokomis, Saskatchewan to the late Harry and Leona (Potter) Ruggles. Shirley was the youngest of seven siblings and the last surviving member of her immediate family. Mom grew up in Upper Clements and after marrying our father, Howard, she lived throughout Nova Scotia as they moved to various construction projects. Yarmouth was always home base but you could not take the Valley out of her life.

Shirley leaves behind two sons, John (Francine) and Roger, several grand children Ellen (Ty), Karyn, Jamie, Nathan (Daphne), Laura (Adam), Erin (Andy) and Craig (Kayla) and many great grand children, whom she adored and loved dearly and forever inquiring as to their lives.  Her nieces and nephews, who affectionately knew her as “shirttail”, were also a very important part of her life.

She was predeceased by her first husband Howard James Sullivan and 2nd husband Roy Vincent Germain, by sisters, Kathleen, Audrey, Hilda, Inez and brothers Lloyd and Russell, as well as several nieces and nephews.  Mom enjoyed the companionship and affection of Bob Garron and his family in the final years.

Through the years Mom came to enjoy her nursing experiences, her travels and the endless gathering of genealogy material on the Ruggles family and was very proud to be a Mayflower descent, but most important was her enjoyment on meeting and talking to old friends and making new acquaintances. We would like to thank the staff at Yarmouth Heights, the staff of the Hospital 4 North and in the final few days, the Villa Acadian for the wonderful care given to Mom.

Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of Sweeny’s Funeral Home and Crematorium, Yarmouth. A funeral service will be held on July 26, 2025 at 10:30 in the Kaulbach Family Funeral Home in Annapolis Royal, with Pastor Herb Anderson officiating.   Interment in the Clementsport United Church Cemetery to follow.

Donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer society or charity of choice.

Watch out for Tommy……

“I have not left you I am simply enjoying the next stage of my life. So please don’t cry, rejoice in the fact that I am happy. Remember that I will always love you and smile because one day we shall meet again.”