Mary Martha Ryan

Generous In Spirit,

Firm And Fair

Mary Martha (O’Dwyer) Ryan, 85, of Ridgefield, died April 5, after a lengthy illness, surrounded by her husband, Thomas, and children. She was born July 29, 1925, in Knocklong, County Limerick, Ireland, a daughter of Johanna (Keane) and Thomas O’Dwyer.

She is survived by her caring husband of 54 years; three children, including James Ryan, his wife Lisa, of Newtown; and eight grandchildren.

Mrs Ryan was proud of her Irish heritage and grateful for the opportunities to work and prosper in the United States. She held several jobs in banking and bookkeeping prior to her marriage, after which she devoted herself to her husband and children, while continuing to maintain ties to her siblings in Ireland. She was a wonderful wife, mother, and friend to all. She taught her children the values of family, hard work, inner strength and courage, and thirst for knowledge.

A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Friday, April 8, at 10:15 am, in St Mary Church, Ridgefield, with the Reverend Russell Augustine, parochial vicar, officiating. Burial will follow in St Mary Cemetery. Calling hours were scheduled in the Kane Funeral Home, 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield, Thursday, April 7, from 5 to 8 pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mrs Ryan’s memory may be made to St Mary Church, 55 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield CT 06877, or to the Danbury Hospital Development Fund, 24 Hospital Avenue, Danbury CT 06810.

The Newtown Bee        April 8, 2011