Darlene Elizabeth Schulze

The world grew a little dimmer on August 24, 2025, when Darlene "Dar" Ryan passed away at age 72, her brave spirit finally at rest after her struggle with ALS. Born and raised in Baltimore, she was the beloved daughter of Raymond and Helen (Coble) Schulze.

Darlene devoted her early years to raising her family. She later worked at Greetings & Readings and then devoted more than 20 years to The Peppermill, where she made countless friends and became affectionately known as "DarMoon," inspired by her lifelong love of the moon. Her bright spirit, warmth, and gentle strength touched those around her.

In midlife, Darlene found her soulmate in Wayne Goetz. The two were married in Las Vegas in 2010, a city they returned to each year for their anniversary celebration. Together they filled their years with travel, joy, and spirited karaoke duets. During her illness, Wayne's steadfast care for Darlene was a reflection of the deep devotion that defined their life together.

Darlene found joy in sunshine, whether sitting on the beach, relaxing on her deck, or tending to her garden. She also brought that love of light and life indoors, filling her home with greenery and fairy figurines that added a touch of magic to her surroundings. She had a passion for shopping, easily outlasting her daughter and granddaughter on shopping excursions, trying her luck at the slot machines, and delighting in the simple beauty of nature.

Her yard was always alive with color, its flowers carefully chosen to draw hummingbirds and butterflies. The squirrels who raided her flower pots became her mischievous opponents, and though she often grumbled while replanting, she always ended up laughing about their antics. Her deep love of animals was perhaps most evident in her devotion to Shay, her faithful dog of 15 years, who stayed loyally by her side until the very end.

Above all, family was the cornerstone of Darlene's life. Known lovingly as "Gammy" by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she cherished every moment with them. She made birthdays extra special, believing each person deserved a day that was truly their own, and she carried that same thoughtfulness into every occasion, carefully selecting the perfect gift to show how much she cared. No family gathering was complete without her legendary deviled eggs, which her family will forever associate with her warmth and presence.

Darlene is survived by her husband, Wayne Goetz; her daughter, Erica Suess, and son-in-law, Joe Suess; her son, Justin Ryan; her stepdaughters, Shannon (Andy) Schneider and Erika (Matthew) Alvarez; her cherished grandchildren, Jessica Cerrato, Jacob Suess, Sophia and Silas Ryan; her great-grandsons, Arlo and Odin McAuliffe; her step-grandchildren; and her brother, Donald Schulze. She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Helen Schulze.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the ALS Association (www.als.org). Alternatively, you may honor her spirit by planting something beautiful or taking a moment to appreciate the wonders of nature that brought her so much joy.

Though Darlene has left this world, her radiant light continues to shine in every birthday candle, in every flower that blooms, in the warmth of the sun, and in the gentle glow of the moon she so loved. Most of all, her light lives on in the hearts of all who were blessed to love and be loved by her.

All are welcome to join the family to celebrate and remember Darlene at a Celebration of Life to be held at The Bowman, 9306 Harford Rd, Parkville, MD 21234, on Saturday, September 27, at 2:00 p.m.