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Ellen Ryan Obituary
It is with heavy yet grateful hearts and deep love that we announce the passing of our Mother and Grandmother, Ellen Camille Ryan (nee Feldman). Mom/Mimi left us for her place in Heaven with God's angels on March 31st, 2025. She was a devoted, adoring Mother to 9, Grandmother of 28, wife to Charles Ryan for 40 years, beloved sister/sister-in-law to Joseph Feldman and the late Mary Ellen "Lal" Feldman, dear Aunt, and friend to many whose wisdom, warmth, and unwavering love will forever echo in the lives of those who were lucky enough to know her.
Born in 1944 to Ann and Sidney Feldman, she lived a life full of love, devotion, and spirited resilience. As a Mother and Grandmother she remains the beating heart of her family. Her home was always open, filled with laughter and unconditional love for each person who entered. Mimi's hugs were unmatched! Her children knew her as a steadfast protector, a nurturing guide, and a confidant all in one. She believed in the power of education and to that end raised entrepreneurs, educators, and heads of business, and simply to set the expectation, she secured her Master's in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola University. To her grandchildren, she was a source of endless joy and affection, leaving behind a legacy of cherished memories, words of wisdom, and most significantly, a love that will continue to inspire future generations.
Mom/Mimi had a passion for the unpretentious joys of life despite having been quite well-traveled. She found as much comfort in novels and movies, as she did in family dinners where the bonds of her loved ones grew ever stronger as they shared stories, laughter, and occasionally tears. Birthdays were crafted into grand celebrations, Christmases were magical with traditions and unsurpassed gifts, and summers at the Lake were the only place to be! A ceaseless supporter of all things Bridgeport, she relished being the Editor of The Bridgeport News as a love letter to her Father, penning weekly columns under Ellen Edits. A fan of Jeopardy she could out-play the contestants, 'rest her eyes' afterwards and still craft an amazing dinner with dessert. A lover of puzzles, she spent countless hours piecing together intricate images, always determined to find the right fit. Just as in life, she approached challenges with patience, perseverance, and a quiet determination. In her hands, every puzzle was a metaphor for the beautiful, complicated tapestry she created for her family, one piece at a time. An adorer of sweets, she had a particular fondness for chocolate. Her little indulgences, shared with those she loved, were a testament to the joy she found in life's small pleasures. She was always the first to offer a treat and the last to refuse one.
Throughout her life, Mom/Mimi bravely faced her challenges, none more difficult than the stroke she endured. Though her body may have faltered, her spirit persisted, unbroken. Her strength throughout these last years was a testament to the depth of her courage and love for her family. She never gave up, never stopped fighting, and never let go of the things she treasured most-her family, her joy, and her hope. Her legacy is one of love, resilience, and the importance of family. She leaves behind not just children and grandchildren, but a richness of memories that will continue to comfort and guide all who loved her. Her laughter, her beautiful brown eyes, her wisdom mixed with steely strength, and her kindness will live on in all who had the privilege to know her.
She is survived by her 9 children, 28 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild all who were a source of immeasurable joy and pride: Chuck (Ewa) Ryan; Christopher (Jennifer) Ryan: Kathleen, Kayla, Claire (Billy) Roediger, Kelsey, Connor; Cydney (Joseph) Muti: Joey (Nina, baby Leo), Isabella, Mary Olivia; Carolyne (Mark) Osterhues: Kyle, Colby, Emily, Lamar, Megan; Ellen Ryan: Ava, Aiden; Clancy (Beth) Ryan: Molly, Ella, Shea, Lucy; Erin (Erek) Horne: Grace, Griffin, Ryan; Betsy (Ben) Low: Sam, Quinton, Nolan, Isaac; Colin Ryan: Xander, Juniper. She will be dearly missed, forever cherished and never forgotten.
In honor of her memory, we will continue to value her love of family, savor our favorite chocolates, and always find time for a good movie or a puzzle to piece together. May you rest eternally in peace and in God's love Mom, Mimi, Ellen. You are forever in our hearts, our celebrations, our memories.
A wake at 9:30 am followed by a Catholic Mass Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, April 9th, 2025 at 10:00 am, at Queen of All Saints Basilica. Donations can be made to Misericordia Heart of Mercy https://www.misericordia.com/giving/donate-online/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Tom Waldron
April 9, 2025
Mrs. Ryan was a wonderful person and a wonderful mother. She was always very kind and loving. Clancy and I would go to the summer house and she always treated me like I was part of the family. You were loved and will be missed , but never forgotten.
Tim & Joanna
April 9, 2025
Mrs. Ryan was the best. Always quick as a whip and she would light up the room. She had the best hugs and best advice. She will be missed and was loved by our family. Love, Tim, Joanna, Sofia & Nico
Kathleen King Buck
April 9, 2025
The King kids want to tell all the Ryan kids how much we love your mom and have so very many beautiful memories together!
Aunt Ellen was one of the classiest ladies ever - always had her hair coiffed, nails and the snazziest outfit on!! That beautiful smile always and a twinkle in the eye. She showed us how to spend when you had it, share the wealth (seriously) and love FIERCELY. . Both Church God and family!! Her laughter is a core memory - as is a puzzle on the desk, books all around, driving that speedboat as well as that Lincoln Towncar. Hosting our wedding showers at Bergers ... the list goes on.
The kindest, loving, forceful woman on the inside who would wrap you in the biggest hug (and equally make you do the dishes after she fed you the best meal ). Life lessons. Every day ...
Going to the Lenox house on Easter (with "fancy" Fannie Mae eggs), sledding at their woods and coming back to a delicious meal and cookies. The takeout fried chicken at lakehouse and chocolate chip pancakes!! Aunt Ellen Ryan knew to feed the masses was to feed the soul ... she was the matriarch of it all and a true gem
On another note, watching our parents have this deep meaningful friendship was a true gift. To see our parents in another light is yet another gift that the Ryans were able to give us. As most couples know - finding that perfect couple friendship can be an elusive thing and our parents had the best foursome! Meeting at a retreat early on in their marriage and giving us this bonus set of "frousins". 19 of us
After our dad died Aunt Ellen took care of our mom in the most special friendship - and your entire family kept Jack King memories alive and helped raise those younger King kids with more lakehouse times, auctions and always the LOVE.
We know it wasn´t always easy to probably "share" your mom with so many people who she loved on and we thank you. We love you Ryan family!!
Rest in Peace, Aunt Ellen
You will be missed and lessons remembered,
King Family
Margie, Gigi, Beth, Kathleen, Jack, Brian, Matt, Kristen, Maura, Molly
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Kathleen Klein
April 9, 2025
Ellen and I shared the same major in college. She became an enjoyable, thoughtful friend, through her great sense of humor, with her zest for life as we experienced many adventures together. During our "vintage" years our friendship deepened when we discovered many common life experiences. Ellen was a very supportive, caring, friend, again with her high-spirited outlook and always with lots of laughs.
She has left an imprint that always warms my heart when I think of her... and I always giggle.
Kathleen Klein
Jess Bacon
April 8, 2025
Ellen, you were truly a force of nature. Guided by faith, you were ever charitable with your time, kindness, love, selflessness, encouragement and empathy. You had a smile that could brighten anyone´s day and the best chocolate chip pancakes I´ve ever had.
Thank you for treating me like one of your own children. My childhood and adolescent memories include countless hilarious experiences with you, of course Erin and your whole beautiful family. I love you, I miss you and believe you will continue to guide me now that you are with God.
All my love,
Jess Bacon (Landini)
Pat Joyce
April 7, 2025
My dear freind Ellen you are truly missed by all who knew and loved you.
You were so much fun to be with. And you shared your beautiful family w us.
Love you forever.
May the Good Lord be with you.
Pat
Margie and ellen
April 7, 2025
Margie king
April 7, 2025
I loved Ellen with my whole heart!
What treasured memories we shared with our big families When I got pregnant with my tenth child, I told Ellen if she really loved me she get pregnant with me
But alas she answered with a resounding no!
We shared cursillo meetings together
Holidays at Lenox and maplewood
Her generosity of lake Beulah knew no
Bounds ! We all loved it like it was our own,that´s how Ellen made you feel
When my Jackie and jack died she was at the forefront watching my kids, making
Lunches. We shared so many stories, heartbreaks and joys ! We loved to go to the auctions up at lake, the boat
Rides, her yelling JB come her
Large black poodle
Ellen´s friendship to me was so precious
She will live in my heart forever and pay no rent ! She was a formidable woman
And a unforgettable presence and I was lucky enough to call her friend
Joan Giampoli Broz
April 6, 2025
My thoughts and prayers are with Ellen, her family and friends. I was a classmate of Ellen's at Mundelein College graduating together in 1965. She was a dear friend to everyone, always with a smile, and contagious enthusiasm. We enjoyed those connections and memories at all our reunions over the years. She will be missed but always remembered.
Joan Giampoli Broz
Ann Scheidler
April 6, 2025
Ellen and I have such a long history. We went to Mundelein College together. And although we didn't hang out much during those years, we ended up getting married on the same day -- September 4, 1965. Then we both moved to the same Edgebrook neighborhood and even had the same address--6347-- Ellen on Lenox, me on LeRoy. We spend hundreds of hours together and had kids of the same age. Tons of adventures and laughs. Shopping at midnight at Toys are Us! Hunting for St. Nicholas candy after most of the stores had closed on December 5. For many years we baked together every Thursday, one week at LeRoy, the next on Lenox. On one of those Thursdays, we were knee deep in flour, our little kids playing in Ellen's basement, when a Chicago cop showed up at the door, asking if we had any small children. It turned out that Ellie had learned about 911 at preschool and was showing my Cathy how it worked. When the emergency person answered the phone, Ellie was afraid to say her mom was at home, soi they sent the police to check it out, in case we had abandoned our kids! It was embarrassing, but we did get a big laugh out of it. Our kids loved Thursdays. They's come home from Queens to chocolate chip cookies, blueberry muffins, brownies==all sorts of goodies.
Ellen was a deeply loyal, loving friend. I will truly miss sharing all those memories with her. But heaven is going to love having her.
PENNY KERNDT
April 6, 2025
Loved Ellen when she was my neighbor in
EDGEBROOK. SPENT MANY HAPPY TOGETHER DAYS AND I LOVED HER SO
MUCH. GOD BLESS HER FAMILY WHO I
LOVED WITH HER !
Prayers for all! PENNY KERNDT
Neil Danaher
April 6, 2025
Such a beautiful sole may she rest in peace
Bologeorges Family
April 5, 2025
The Bologeorges family extends our sympathy on the passing of your beloved matriarch Ellen. May the joyful memories you´ve made with her bring you comfort and soothe your souls during this sad time.
Pete Scheidler
April 5, 2025
Once upon a time I had a gig as an extra in a tv commercial. Dunno how exactly that came about, but the shoot was a couple blocks from my grandma's house, and my costars were several Ryan children and some other local urchins. Mrs. Ryan was our chauffeur.
When it became clear that we needed signed waivers to be in the commercial, and Ellen was the only adult with our crew, I heard Ellen mutter that she might have to "do a little forging." Not sure if I became an honorary Ryan that day, or she a Scheidler, but either way, that day, she was "Mom" to me.
Some years later when my mother was out and my baby brother was crying inconsolably under de my dad's care, Dad asked my brother whether he wanted "Missy Ryan."
Ellen was my mom's best friend, and some of her children were my siblings best friends. So much of the love that radiated in our household originated two blocks over in another 6347.
Her sphere of love and care was just enormous. What a treasure her memory will be.
Pat Landini
April 4, 2025
With her loving nature, Ellen invited my daughter to come home from Minnesota so that she could finish high school with all of her friends here. How many women with nine children would do that? Only one that I knew... Ellen
Thomas M. Brett
April 4, 2025
To the Ryans and the Feldmans, I am deeply sorry for the immense loss that your entire family has suffered.
Your mom and so many have occupied a very special place, and her own hand in the way she shaped your lives clearly speak volumes to the people who have ever encountered her living handiwork.
May perpetual light shine upon your mom and your family find additional consolation during this difficult time.
God bless the Ryans.
With my dearest friendship,
T. Brett
Angie vanaria
April 4, 2025
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.she was th absolute greatest,loved her grace,kindness,thoughtfulness and love...she will forever be in my heart....what a wonderful obit written about miss Ellie,as I called her...a true testament of what we loved so much about her...rest in peace Miss Ellie....
Sarah (Scheidler) Worthington
April 4, 2025
Words cannot express what a meaningful presence Mrs Ryan, my "heart mother", had in my life. Even with 9 children, she always made room for more. To those she loved, her loyalty was fierce. Her home(s) were always so full of warmth and welcome. I´ve never known a woman who loved to host more than Mrs Ryan and was able to welcome guests with such ease and grace. Everything she did was with a full heart and unrivalled enthusiasm. There are too many memories to express, but a few stand out: her love of shopping, collecting tea pots, movie marathons, 31 Flavors ice cream runs after dinner, peanut M&Ms, perfectly manicured nails, applying makeup up in the car mirror (using lipstick as blush), her "glue stick" perfume, her gum snapping, colourful elegant outfits, her gorgeous smile, pretty feet (she loved her feet!) and those smothering hugs that let you know she couldn´t love you more (even if hugging me was like "hugging a limp rag"). My memories of Mrs Ryan, her whole family and the home she created are nothing but joyful. I feel so grateful to have known this wonderful woman and the remarkable family she created. I´m so sorry for your loss, but I can only hope and pray that she and "Mr Scheidler" are having a laugh as they reminisce about the good old days on Lenox and Leroy-maybe in their priest and nun costumes. I wish so much I could be there to celebrate her life with you all but please know that I´m there in spirit and you are all in my prayers.
All my love,
Sar Bear
David Bell
April 3, 2025
What a beautiful tribute to a well-lived, well-loved time on Earth. She has well-earned Peace. Peace and Love to all of you. David Bell
Vincent Howard
April 3, 2025
One of my favorite people in the world she my angel and the most giving person I ever met forever changed my life
Gloria krueger
April 3, 2025
Grammar school friends forever.
Gloria J Krueger
April 3, 2025
Ingo Weigel
April 3, 2025
I had met Mrs Ryan about twenty years ago. She always had been very kind, loving and made me feel welcomed. She was such a beautiful spirit and I will miss her dearly. I pray for her knowing she is in a better place looking down on her family and watching over them.
Billy Sullivan
April 3, 2025
This is a beautiful tribute.
Mrs Ryan was my 2nd mother, always had a kind word and positive thought for anything I spoke to her about. I always felt as if I was part of the family when I was with the Ryan's and Mrs Ryan especially. I will never forget the memorable summers at the lake, where I was always welcome, and there was always a place for me at the dinner table or any meal for that matter.
Thank you Mrs Ryan for all you taught me and all the unconditional love that you showered over me.
I truly love you with all my heart and will miss you terribly.
I love you
Billy Sullivan
Sr. Rosemary/Fr. Jack & Residents of Misericordia
April 2, 2025
Our sympathy and special prayers for Ellen and all her family and friends.
Bob Fioretti
April 2, 2025
My thoughts and prayers are with the Ryan and Feldman families during time. May her legacy of kindness and thoughtfulness. Continue throughout her family.
Marilee Shea Halpin
April 2, 2025
Ellen, my friend and college roommate, the adventures we had. I promise to keep many of them in my heart.
Mary Beth Ballard Frystak
April 2, 2025
Ellen was kind, had a great laugh, was a wonderful neighbor and friend. It was an honor to babysit for many of the Ryan children as they grew up. Her family was her life and she enjoyed not only living on Lenox Ave., but going to the lake in Wisconsin. Ellen´s parents and brother were very nice to our family and all 9 children are truly blessed to call Ellen their mom.
Love,
Mary Beth Ballard Frystak and Ken Frystak
Mark J. Ballard
April 2, 2025
Ellen was a longtime neighbor and always very kind to me as I was growing up. She even had her dad, Sid, take me to the tailor shop for my first suit! My condolences to the Ryan and Feldman families.
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