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Jean F. Ryan, 59, of Natick and Centerville, formerly of Needham, died peacefully Monday, June 7, 2010, following a valiant battle against breast cancer. Jean was the daughter of Helen and John (Bud) Ryan of Needham. Jean is survived by Mary Pat Joy and her husband, William of Wellesley; Elinor Devlin of Needham; John Ryan Jr. and his wife, Barbara, of Sudbury; Thomas Ryan and his wife, Patricia, of Holden; Maureen Guerry and her husband, Pem, of Signal Mountain, Tenn.; Susan OToole and her husband, Preston, of Walpole, and Christine McCarthy and her husband, Sean, of Southborough. She was the loving aunt of 17 nieces and nephews; and one great-niece, and was the beloved niece of Mary Barrett, David Judge, Robert Judge, Elinor Ryan and Claire and Harry Nead. Jean was president of the John J. Ryan Insurance Agency in Brighton, where she worked for 40 years, and was an alumna of Regis College. She was a daily communicant and a Eucharistic Minister at St. Joseph Church, Needham, and St. Patrick Church, Natick. At St. Patricks, Jean was a member of the Parish Finance Council, an RCIA leader, and involved in Adoration Ministry. Jean participated in frequent pilgrimages to the Holy Land, Rome, and Lourdes. Jeans generosity was far reaching. She was deeply committed to the less fortunate and to the youth. The beneficiaries of her generosity include: the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Pan-Mass Challenge, Cor Unum Meal Center at St. Patrick Church in Lawrence, Project Rachel, CYO, and the Rosary Sisters Orphanage in Karem, Israel. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated Saturday, June 12, at 10 a.m., at St. Patricks Church, 44 East Central St., Natick. Interment was in Holyhood Cemetery, Brookline. Arrangements by the McNamara Funeral Home, 460 Washington St., Brighton. Expressions of sympathy in Jeans memory may be made to St. Patrick Church, or the Pan-Mass Challenge benefitting Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at www.pmc.org/profile/ cm0224, or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 220 North Main St., Suite 104, Natick, MA 01760.
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My deepest sympathies to all who loved Jean. She made a huge impact in my life starting with her leading my RCIA class ten years ago. May she rest forever with Jesus!
Bill McDonald
June 19, 2010
Rest in peace, Jean. You were truly a faithful and tireless servant of your faith. We all benefited from having known you.
Kathleen McCarty
June 14, 2010
We are truly saddened upon hearing the
news of Jean's passing. May she rest in peace. We have been customers of Ryan's Ins. for more than 40 years. They were a wonderful family to deal with. Jean will surely be missed.
Our condolences to the whole Ryan family.
Pauline & Jim O'Malley
June 14, 2010
I remember the days of Coolidge Ave, when all the Ryan's including Jean were part of my life.. I am sorry for your sorrow and know the love of all your family will make the days ahead a bit easier...
Anna Loring DiVecchio
Anna DiVecchio
June 12, 2010
Please accept our condolences on the loss of Jean. She was our neighbor for 9 years before moving to Natick last year. We were truly saddened to hear of her passing. Jean was a strong, independent woman who always expressed an optimistic point of view. She was devoted in her business, her faith and her family. She was kindhearted and fair and never without an opionion! :-) We truly enjoyed her sense of humor. She was always so sweet with our children who loved to plant pansies and bake banana bread to deliver to her. It made them so happy to see her smile and thank them for their gifts. She will be missed by many!
Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.
Fondly,
The Listewnik Family
Cynthia, Mark, Jovina, Wyatt & Quinn
June 11, 2010
With deepest sympathy to the entire Ryan Family on the news of Jean's death....a true loss for the family, church and the community.
Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you. RIP Jean, you will be missed.
Love and prayers,
Dick and Janet Corrigan
Janet corrigan
June 11, 2010
Each day that I came into the office this week, I could feel Jean's presence and yet there was a huge void...in the office and in my heart. My sympathy to all the family. We have all lost a special person in our lives.
With love,
Elayne
Elayne Mantas
June 10, 2010
So sorry to read about Jean's death.
My deepest sympathy to Helen and Bud and to her family.
Mary Gail Cauley
June 10, 2010
Jean was a conscientious and dedicated worker. She volunteered for years at St. Joseph's in Needham where she served on the RCIA team and was a daily communicant at the 6:50 a.m. Mass. I had the good fortune to be on a pilgrimage with her to the holy land. Her input added much to this experience. My deepest sympathy to her family.
Ann Flueckiger
June 10, 2010
"Uncle Bud" and "Aunt Helen": Sorry for you loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dave & Jane (Daley) Cumming
Jane (Daley) Cumming
June 10, 2010
Enduring faith and boundless generosity were hallmarks of Jean's character that I cherish. She was all about love of family and devotion to the family business. When cancer struck, she wore the face of courage and optimism. Jean inspired me over 48 years of friendship. She was instrumental in my conversion to catholicism, my confirmation sponsor, maid of honor at my wedding and my daughter's godmother-at my side at every important life event. I will never forget her. We have suffered a great loss.
Janie McClellan
June 10, 2010
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