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Colleen Ryan Obituary
Colleen Ann Blackburn Ryan, a native Houstonian, died peacefully with her family at her New Orleans home on Friday, August 5, 2011, after a brave battle with cancer. She was 61. Colleen was born in Houston on February 13, 1950, attended Holy Ghost School, and graduated from Duchesne Academy in 1968. Colleen moved to New Orleans in 1975, and graduated from Loyola University in 1981.
She is survived by her loving husband of 32 years, James F. Ryan, and their three sons, Christopher Brown and his wife Renee of Industry, TX; Nicholas Ryan of Houston; and Sean Ryan of New Orleans, and five wonderful grandchildren, Christopher, Reagan, Nicholas, William, and Lillie Brown. She is also survived by her siblings, Thomas R. Blackburn, III, Mary Jane Smith, Lora Lou Miral, and Maureen Jennings, all of Houston, and Bridget Heno of Abita Springs, LA; her sister-in-law Lilla Blackburn, and her brothers-in-law, Hon. Jerry E. Smith, Pierre Miral, and Jeffrey Jennings, all of Houston, and Dr. Charles R. Heno of El Campo, TX; her uncle, Edward J. Blackburn of Houston; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and numerous devoted friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Raymond Blackburn, Jr. and Ann Clark Blackburn of Mandeville, LA, formerly of Houston.
Colleen was a member of Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church in New Orleans, where she taught CCD classes for 17 years, was an active member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society food pantry, and served as a Cub Scout Den Mother. She was also a board member and volunteer at St. Stephen Catholic School for many years. She will be remembered always as a kind and generous person who loved her family deeply and worked tirelessly for those in need and less fortunate.
The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in New Orleans. Colleen will be laid to rest with her parents and other family members in Green Lawn Cemetery in Hammond, LA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging, 1 Elmwood Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66103.
Special thanks to Dr. Ralph Zinner, Dr. Ganesh Rao, Cheryl Keenan, R.N., and other M.D. Anderson staff members for their excellent and compassionate care of Colleen over the past three years.
To leave condolences for the family please visit: www.greenwoodfuneralhome.net
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Colleen Ryan
Nancy Alexander
August 20, 2011
I met Colleen , Maureen and Bridget when I moved to New Orleans in 1976. They were my first friends in the city. I will never forget all of the fun moments that we had together on Dublin St.in their home.Colleen was always warm and welcoming to me and all of my friends. Their home was a safe haven for me. All my love goes out to her and her family. She will be remembered forever. Thank god she is at peace.
August 19, 2011
What a beautiful child of God Colleen is and a reminder to us of how to treat others. Colleen was such a kind and gentle soul and was forever giving of herself. For that gift she gave, we will be eternally grateful.
We love you Colleen.
The Wahlen Family
Jacquelyn Oltremari
August 12, 2011
I was so sorry to read of Colleen's passing.
My sincere condolences to all of her family.
I will keep her in my prayers.
Jackie Schwecke Oltremari
Duchesne Academy 1969
Kimberley Abey
August 8, 2011
A contribution has been made in honor of Colleen to the Christian Foudation for Children and Aging with our deepest sympathy Kim Abey and the Spotlight Creative team.
Diana Dunnam
August 8, 2011
Our deepest condolences for your loss. Diana and Roger Dunnam and Family.
Lanie Rose
August 8, 2011
We at the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation mourn the too frequent and too early deaths from brain cancer. We send our condolences to Colleen's family and friends and understand the hole in your hearts. We will not stop our work with MD Anderson until there is a cure. May Colleen's memory be as a blessing.
Joe and Brenda Demuth
August 8, 2011
Mr Spud Sean Ryan I read this today and God put you on my heart
Little I knew this morning God was going to call your name in life we loved you dearly in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone for part of me went with you the day God called you home. You left us beautiful memories your love is still our guide and though we cannot see you, you are always by our side our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same but as God calls us one by one the chain will link again.
We love you very much Spud and you and your family will be in our hearts and prayers as ya'll deal with the loss of a dearly loved one.
With deepest Sympathy Joe and Bren
August 8, 2011
When my sister, Maureen told me of Colleen's passing, I was stunneed! I remember all of the nights I spent at your house. I remember being so scared of Gretchen, the dog. I remember Colleen teaching (or trying) to teach me how to do a cartwheel. Still can't do it. I remember playing Miss America and forgetting I was Miss California and we woke up your Mom from a nap! Yikes! Colleen went to the beach with our family, we went to the pool with your's. Colleen was so much a part of my childhood, knowing that she is gone is very sad. My sympathy to Tommy, Mary Jane, Laura Lou, Maureen and Bridget. My heart now has a hole in it ..Sincerely Patti Leeds Samul
Molly Huls
August 8, 2011
To each member of the Blackburn family from Molly Stephenson and my husband Ron Huls. Colleen and I practically grew up together. The years have separated us and there's no way to go back. Colleen was always giggling. laughing and on the move! I will miss her presence on this earth very much. Sincerely, Molly and Ron Huls
my email address is: [email protected]
I would love to hear from you, Mary Jane and Lora Lou and Maureen someday.
Philippe BUCHON
August 8, 2011
Pierre Miral, my cousin and Laura Lou's husband just told me the sad news about Colleen who left all of us. All the Buchon family from France would like to join all members of the Blackburn and Ryan families by thought and players under these very sad circumstances. Like Colleen, our sister in law, Marie Francoise Buchon Toledo and our brother in law, Pierre Massei left us over the last couple of month after having fought against the same illness. Families get closer and even stronger when such a dear member leaves. Laura lou and Pierre : we shall be with you by prayers particularly tomorow tuesday. God bless you and your family. Philippe and Agnes Buchon
Priscilla Mercadel
August 8, 2011
The Mercadel family would like to extend their deepest sympathy. May God bless you and your family. I remember Colleen as always being a very happy person. Your family will be in our prayers.
Bob Corrigan
August 7, 2011
In March of 2010 I was in the hospital for heart and kidney failure and Jim and Colleen offered to put me in their guest house and take care of me...a teacher was asked "who is my neighbor" to which he answered with the story of the good Samaritan..Colleen treated me like a neighbor. May she rest in peace.
Kathleen Miggins
August 7, 2011
With deepest sympathies and prayers for the Ryan and Blackburn families. Larry & Kathleen Miggins, Houston, TX
Jean Doherty-Nugent
August 7, 2011
He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children . . .; who has left the world better than he found it. . .; who has never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it; who has always looked for the best in others and given them the best he had; whose life was an inspiration; whose memory a benediction.-----Bessie Stanley (1905)
I was honored to be Colleen's friend.
Miss CC
August 7, 2011
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Mavis Trahan
August 7, 2011
I will remember Colleen as a kind and caring person...she always had an encouraging word and offered prayers for me when I needed them most. I thank God that she is at peace and pray that her family will find comfort in their memories.
Libby Levin
August 7, 2011
My deepest sympathy to Colleen's family.
The thing I will remember most about Colleen was her ability to find humor in life and always make you smile.
Colleen was filled with love for all. She has left her body but her love is still here, especially with her family.
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