Jean C. Ryder

Jean C. Ryder, 83, of Newtown, died May 3 in Danbury. She was the wife of William Edwin Ryder who died May 2, 1999.

Mrs Ryder was born May 2, 1921 in New York City to Herbert and Ruth (Courtenay) Padelinetti. She graduated from Richmond Hill High School in Queens.

While Mrs Ryder was working as a teletypist for Pan American World Airways at Idlewild Airport (JFK), she met William Edwin Ryder, also employed by Pan American, whom she later married on December 19, 1954. They moved to Baldwin, Long Island, N.Y., where Mrs Ryder became a secretary for the Baldwin Public Schools.

A resident of Newtown, Mrs Ryder had lived in Southbury from 1998 to 2003. She had lived in Pomano Beach, Fla., from 1977 until 1998 and Baldwin, N.Y., for 25 years before that.

Through the years, Mrs Ryder was a Girl Scout leader and an avid traveler and a fan of Broadway music. She enjoyed every opportunity to celebrate life with family and friends.

Mrs Ryder is survived by three daughters, Suzanne Copeland of San Francisco, Calif., Patricia Kamercia of Clinton, and Elizabeth Ryder of Brewster, N.Y.; a sister, Helen Shim of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; two grandchildren, Edward Alexander of San Francisco and Tripp Kamercia of Clinton.

The family suggests that, in Jean’s memory, each person should take time to enjoy an evening out, take in a show and celebrate life.

Contributions in her memory may also be made to the Ryder Farm Inc on behalf of the restoration of the old house, or to a nonprofit organization of your choice. The Beecher Funeral Home, 1 Putnam Avenue, Brewster, N.Y., is in charge of arrangements.

The Newtown Bee        May 7, 2004