Frances Elizabeth Ryder

1926 - 2018

Frances Elizabeth Beebe Ryder, born June 26, 1926 in Fall River Mass, passed away peacefully and in the comfort of her family on Dec. 7, 2018 at the age of 92. Born in in Fall River, Betty grew up in Hartford CT and was a 1944 graduate of Bulkeley High School. Growing up in Hartford Betty and her family frequently vacationed in Maine, where she met and married William Ryder, who predeceased her in 1988. She held a special attachment to extended Ryder family for the rest of her life. Betty raised five children, living in East Hartford, South Windsor and finally in Manchester, where she resided for over 45 years. A pioneer for women in the workplace in the 1960s, Betty turned a part-time job into a thriving career as a newspaper reporter, columnist and editor for the Manchester Herald and The Journal Inquirer. Her love of a good story continued in freelance work well into her 80s. Betty's love of food, travel and writing led her to varied adventures in a career that she loved. Whether it was paddling a dugout canoe in the Amazon jungle or interviewing the Captain of a luxury cruise ship, she was always "all in" treating each story and subject as unique. Betty's travels took her all over the world and at times, she would invite her friend and amateur photographer Connie Costello to accompany her. Their teamwork was featured many times in the newspaper articles Betty created for devoted readers of her Travel and Leisure columns. Her sincerity and love of people was evident, whether she was conducting an interview or in a chance meeting. Her love of adventure and knowledge continued to the end. In her later years she could often be found reading, writing, researching, watching Jeopardy and rooting for Tom Brady (for which her children will forgive her). She will be deeply missed by her children; John and Pam Ryder of Ellington, Dennis and Linda Ryder of Coventry, Tim and Janet Ryder of South Windsor, Dave Ryder of Manchester, Margaret and Jim Costello of Mystic, her grandchildren, Nicole Gardinier (Joe), Leanne Ryder, JR Ryder (Erica) Ryland and Eamon Costello, four great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews, whom she loved as her own. She was predeceased by her brother Robert Beebe, daughter-in law Rose and her beloved grandson Nolan Ryder. Services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Donations in her name may be made to the LCpl. Nolan Ryder Memorial, c/o Nicola, Yester & Co. PC, 223 Eastern Blvd. Glastonbury, CT.06033. The Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home, Glastonbury has care of the arrangements. To extend online condolences, please visit farleysullivan.com.