Merrimac — Sheila R. (Ryan) Hatch, 73, passed away at her home on September 5, surrounded by her loving family. Sheila was the wife of Edward E. Hatch who passed away on July 27, 2012, and with whom she recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Born in Haverhill on February 8, 1939, Sheila was the daughter of the late Haverhill Gazette Sports Editor Walter A. Ryan and Adele L. (Patterson) Ryan. Sheila graduated from Haverhill High School, Class of 1956, and continued her education at Nashua Memorial Hospital, School of Nursing where she earned her diploma as a registered nurse in 1959. Her nursing career spanned 42 years to include the former Hale Hospital, Visiting Nurse Association, and as a school nurse for the City of Haverhill at the Nettle School, where she worked until she retired. She volunteered her time over the years assisting in various fundraising endeavors in Haverhill. She inherited her father's interest in sports and enjoyed following all local sporting events, the Red Sox and Celtics. Sheila is survived by her children, David E. Hatch and his fiance Catherine Russell of Lowell, Paul W. Hatch and wife Patricia of Medford, Peter J. Hatch of Merrimac, Christopher R. Hatch and his wife Jerilyn of Haverhill; grandchildren, Carli and Ruby Hatch; sister, Ann Ryan of Kennebunk, Maine; and nieces, Lisa Stein-Pierce and husband Jeffrey, Lynne Chase and husband Mark; grandnephews, Ben Pierce, Will and Ryan Chase. Along with her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Martha Ryan, and her nephew Ernie W. Stein III (1975-1999). Sheila was also survived by her cousins Paula Ryan Savoie (who was like a sister to her), Richard W. Ryan, Connie (Ryan) Laulimere, Gail (Ryan)Lorden and Donna Ryan Roddy. Donna predeceased Sheila in 1996.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends were invited to attend a Memorial Service on Monday, September 10 at 11 a.m. at Dole, Child's & Shaw Funeral Home, 148 Main Street, Haverhill. Calling hours preceded the service from 10 to 11 a.m. Followed by a Mercy Meal at The Roma Restaurant in the Bradford section of Haverhill. A private graveside service for the family was held on September 27, 2012, for Sheila and her husband. Donations in her memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 10 Spleen St., 2nd Floor, Framingham, MA 01701. Online condolences may be sent to www.dcsfuneralhome.com

Lawrence Eagle Tribune                                                                                                                                                                    North Andover, Mass                                                                                                                                                               September 7, 2012

*My mother suffered from a rather rare genetic neurological disorder known as Charcot Marie Tooth-Disorder (CMTD). She struggled with this for a number of years. In September 2011 she was diagnosed with moderate-severe COPD. She spent the first five months of 2012 in and out of various hospitals and rehabs. At one point in April, she was doing pretty good. By the following month her disease progressed to end stage COPD. Unlike other people who have this disease my mothers was caused by CMTD, which caused her vocal cords and diaphragm to become paralyzed. Upon the untimely passing of my father my mother's health went downhill fast. She couldn't live without him. Labor Day weekend 2012 she was determined to be with her family one last time. She struggled to go to a family gathering. The day after Labor Day she awoke and decided that she'd had enough of not being able to breath and not being with my father. She chose to pass away by being given large doses of Morphine to end her suffering. She is finally disease free and with my father again. My mother was one of the strongest people around. She fought back with a vengeance and was determined to function with the COPD. She was dedicated to her family. She loved her sons immensely. There was never a dull moment for her when my brothers and I were growing up. Then came her granddaughters Carli and Ruby. They were the apples of her eyes. They were the first girls in the family. My mother loved to spoil them!

*As sick as my mom got, she never complained. In her final year it was very hard for her to ask for help. She'd always been very independent. My mother knew more people than my family could keep track of. When she went into stores it wasn't uncommon for her to run into someone that she knew. My mom also knew many nurses. At her memorial service just about every nurse in the city was there. A small portion of my mother's ashes are buried in a sealed purple jar at her parent's grave; Riverview Cemetery in Groveland, Mass. Purple was her favorite color.

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