Monica June Ryan, age 68, beloved wife, cherished mother, and respected teacher passed away peacefully in St. Martha’s Hospital, Antigonish, on Monday, August 18th 2025; lovingly surrounded by family.

Monica was born on June 27, 1957 to the late Lawrence and Margaret MacIsaac. She was the treasured baby sister to Lawrence Junior (Skipper, deceased), Elizabeth (Tom) Purser, Mary (Dean) Woodbury, Jean (Bruce) MacDonald and Sandy (deceased).

At the heart of Monica’s life was her family. She is survived by her husband, Gordon, who loved, supported and laughed with her for 49 years. Her legacy lives on in her daughters, Shannon Leigh (Jamie), Gillian Lynn, and Kate Sarah (Chris). Monica’s grandchildren, Abby, Jack, Ava, and Lily were her crowning glory. She was devoted to her family, and they were a source of immense pride for her. To say that she rejoiced in their accomplishments is an understatement. She instilled her values of integrity, empathy, work, and a firm belief in the power of education in all of her family. The joy Monica found in the treasured time with family was wonderful to observe.

After graduating from Port Hawkesbury High School, Monica attended St. Francis Xavier University where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees. She was proud that her three daughters later followed in her footsteps to also graduate from St. F.X. Following her graduation, Monica and Gordon settled in their hometown, Port Hawkesbury, where she taught for more than 30 years. Like all of the MacIsaac women, teaching was Monica’s heritage and through this work she touched the lives of generations of students at S.A.E.R.C. and beyond. Monica was instrumental in guiding many young people into skilled trades and led Nova Scotia’s Options and Opportunities (O2) program. She was a powerhouse who ensured her students were prepared to transition from high school to work or post-secondary education. She often spoke with delight of former students who contacted her from all over Canada, where they were very gainfully employed. With little time for foolishness, Monica ensured that hands-on-learning and strong mentorship guided wise choices for student achievement.

Never one to sit still, Monica was very active in the Nova Scotia Teachers’ Union. She was a fierce advocate for her colleagues within the NSTU, serving the Inverness Local Branch before becoming a member of the Provincial Executive. She spent many years travelling back and forth to Halifax to address NSTU concerns. Monica’s professional colleagues will attest to her supportive shoulder, her immense drive, and her ability to get to the heart of a matter to find solutions. She was a true friend, an intelligent peer, and a force to be reckoned with in any situation.

Despite her sometimes stern professional persona, Monica had a softer side and loved to share a cup of coffee and a story with loved ones. She could be relied upon to bid 30-for-60 on a losing hand just to keep a game of Auction going late into the night and regardless of her many claims to the contrary, her family knows she loved their many cats. The foibles of life provided Monica with plenty of fodder for laughter and her family will affirm that a sense of humor, including about one’s self, was important to her.

No thoughts of Monica would be complete without mentioning her love of Cape Breton’s stunning natural beauty, especially the warm sands and waters of Port Hood Beach. If Gordon was her home, Cape Breton was her foundation. She loved to drive the winding backcountry roads of Cape Breton in search of mountainsides and coastal views, and would not hesitate to explore an unknown road – often to the dismay of whichever unsuspecting friend or family member was riding shotgun.

Monica was quiet in her faith, steadfast in her beliefs, and firmly believed in the power of prayer. She was loving, honest, and giving. Monica’s was a life well lived; full of love, laughter and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. Monica died peacefully; on her own terms despite complications with dementia and heart disease.

Monica’s family extends their sincerest gratitude to the staff at St. Martha’s Hospital, specifically the Palliative Care team who afforded compassionate care, dignity, and considerate counselling and guidance through unfamiliar waters.

Visitation will be held at Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, 724 Granville St., Port Hawkesbury on Friday, August 22 from 2-8 p.m. Her funeral service will take place at 10 a.m on Saturday August 23 in St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Port Hawkesbury with Deacon Burkley Guthro officiating. A reception will immediately follow the service in St. Joseph Parish Hall.

The family kindly requests that you take time to share a laugh, a story, or simply breathe a deep, peaceful breath in remembrance of Monica and to celebrate her life with us. In lieu of flowers, Monica would be pleased to have your donations directed towards St. Martha's Palliative Care Society or the Alzheimer Society of Canada.