Bruce, Sister Shirley, formerly Sister Mary Natalie, 93, a Sister of Saint Martha of Antigonish, died at Mary’s Court, Parkland, Antigonish, on Wednesday February 12, 2025, in the 74th year of her Religious Life.
Born in New Waterford, Nova Scotia, Sister Shirley was the daughter of the late Nathaniel and Mary (MacKenzie) Bruce.
Sister Shirley entered the Sisters of Saint Martha on February 15, 1949. She pronounced her First Vows on February 15, 1951, and her Perpetual Vows on August 15, 1954.
Sister Shirley served at Bethany and Little Flower Institute in Sydney prior to attending Nova Scotia Provincial Normal College from September 1952 to June 1953, obtaining First Class (Interim) Teaching License. From 1953 to 1971 she taught in schools in Ingonish, Margaree, St. Peter’s, Eskasoni, and Dominion, all in Cape Breton. During that time, she continued to study and in 1972 she received her B.A. Degree from St. Francis Xavier University.
When Sister Shirley’s mother died in 1977, she was on compassionate leave living at home with her father in New Waterford and teaching in the New Waterford School District from 1973 to 1992. She taught children with disabilities who were in the New Dawn Program. In 1992/93 Sister Shirley was on renewal and lived with our Sisters in Kamloops, B.C. Upon her return from B.C., Sister lived in Sydney at St. Rita Convent and continued her relationship with the New Dawn Program as a volunteer. In 1996, she moved to Antigonish and was the Purchasing Agent at Bethany, assisted with Religious Education at St. Joseph’s Parish, and lived and worked at St. Martha’s Hospital and Marian Community. Always aware of the needs of others, in 2006 she served our Sisters as Medical Driver at Bethany and later provided ministry to our sisters and staff in Bethany’s General Office. Sister’s life of service was ‘cut to the quick’ in July of 2016 when she suffered a stroke. She always maintained her cheerful demeanor and ready laugh. Her time in Mary’s Court was peaceful, and she exuded gratitude and joy to all who cared for her and shared life with her.
Besides her parents. Sister Shirley was predeceased by her sisters, Margaret Bartlett and Naomi Savoni. She is survived by, and will be greatly missed by, her sister Verna Burke, and many devoted members of her extended family who showed great care and love to Sr. Shirley.
The remains will be resting at Martha Place, Parkland Antigonish Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Celebration of Vigil. The Eulogy will be held at 11:00 a.m. in St. Martha Chapel, Parkland Antigonish. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will take place on the same day, February 18, beginning at 1:45 p.m. in St. Martha Chapel, Parkland Antigonish.
Arrangements are under the direction of CL Curry Funeral Services of Antigonish.