Barbara M. Ryan

Master Sergeant Barbara M. Ryan passed away peacefully on February 25, 2026, at her home in Woolwich, New Jersey, surrounded by her loving family. She was 89 years old.

Barbara was born on November 18, 1936, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to the late Stephen and Mary (Zook) Ulicny. A proud native of Scranton, she lived there for 72 years. She graduated with honors from Scranton Technical High School in 1954.

After graduation, Barbara joined the United States Marine Corps, serving honorably, with distinction for 24½ good years in the Marines and then in the United States Army Reserve. She earned numerous honors, including the Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, and the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters. Though she achieved senior enlisted leadership as a Master Sergeant in the Army Reserve, she proudly remained a Marine at heart.

Over the years, Barbara worked in highway construction, served as a guard at the women’s jail in Scranton, and later worked as a security officer at Mercy Hospital until her retirement.

After retiring, Barbara moved to Four Seasons at Weatherby in Woolwich in 2008. Barbara quickly became an active and respected member of her community. She enjoyed playing bocce and shooting pool, served on the finance committee, on the HOA Board, and as a community ambassador. She was a longtime member of American Legion Post 0966. She is a lifetime member of the Marine Corps League Northeastern Detachment 304, where she served as Assistant Vice Commandant and Sergeant of Arms. She is also a charter member of the Women in Military Service for America Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Barbara is survived by her children: Gregory J. Ryan (Deborah); Stephanie Ryan (Kevin) Brady; Barbara Ryan (Joseph) Polcha; Christina Ryan Hanis, and Joe Henry. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Thomas J. Ryan and Joseph H. Bonitz, and by her sons, Thomas Ryan and Patrick Ryan.

She was blessed with grandchildren: Christopher Polcha (Macala Youngblood), Jessica Polcha, Caitríona Mór (Matthew) Accardi, and Ciara Gael Brady. She was the proud great-grandmother of Ryan Rae and Lochlan Lewes Accardi. She is also survived by her sister, Stephanie (Jack) Hobman, and her nieces, Kathryn and Megan.

Barbara will be remembered as a devoted mother, a proud soldier and Marine, and an ardent patriot. Her life was marked by courage, loyalty, and unwavering strength.

During this exceedingly difficult time, our family wishes to express our deepest gratitude for the compassionate and tender care Barbara received. Brook, Alysia, Kate, and Mark: your warmth, patience, and kindness meant more to us than words can fully convey. You cared for Barbara with dignity and love, bringing comfort not only to her but to all of us who walked beside her.

Please know how profoundly thankful we are to each of you. Your presence and gentle support will always be remembered with sincere appreciation.

“Once a Marine, always a Marine.”

“One last, Oorah!”

Visitation 9 to 10am Tuesday March 3rd at the DAVIS AND WAGNER FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES 171 Delaware St. Woodbury, NJ followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, 11 am at St. Clare of Assisi Parish St. Joseph Church 140 Broad St. Swedesboro NJ 08085. Interment with Full Military Honor, Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Williamstown. Memories & condolences shared at daviswagner.com