Gail Ryan

Gail was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the eldest child of Mary Pauline O'Connell and George Frances Hartigan. She chose to attend the University of Pittsburgh and graduated in 1956. After college, she married, moved to Maine, began a family, and lived there for most of her adult life.
Gail was first and foremost a dedicated mother and teacher. As a high school teacher in Orono, ME she taught o ce business skills while raising her three children. She was active in the school and community activities. She loved Maine and bought property on the coast in the early 70s, eventually building a cottage with a remarkable ocean view.
As an empty nester, she returned to school to earn a Master's in Business Administration which led to a career shift as a Director of Financial Aid at the community college level in Portland and then Maine Maritime Academy in Castine, ME until her retirement.
Part of every year she visited her children and grandchildren who lived all over the world, traveled for an annual sister's weekend, and a ski trip with her favorite sorority sister. Summers were social and active with her close friends on the coast. Upon retirement, she moved full-time to her cottage in Prospect Harbor in Downeast Maine. That beloved place, steps from the ocean, was her slice of heaven on earth. Many of her friends and family will remember her energy to entertain, prepare lobster dinners, and keep a glass well-charged.
Gail's most important legacy is her children and grandchildren. Family always came first, and that included her three sisters and their families. So many family members received Gail's help with resumé writing, job interview preparation, and tax filing.
Gail was an avid tennis player, skier and golfer all her adult life. An accomplished bridge and poker player; she had the uncanny ability to play very well years into her battle with Alzheimer's. She will be remembered for her complete selflessness, deep friendships, love of family, a good glass of wine, and only taking half a cookie at a time.
She is survived by her children, Macey Ryan, Chas Ryan and Kathy (Michael) Ryan Derrick; grandchildren Alex Mason, Ben Mason, Ryan Derrick, Kate (Kyle) Derrick DeAraujo, Will Derrick, Henry Derrick; two great-grandchildren, Zoey and Sam DeAraujo; and her sisters, Frances Kirschbaum and Anne (Bill) Peeper.
She is pre-deceased by her parents, her ex-husband, Charles W. Ryan, her sister, Patricia (John) Estatico and brother-in-law, Peter Kirschbaum.
With the onset of dementia, Gail moved to New York's North Country to be closer to her children. She had four wonderful years at Will Rogers Retirement Community in Saranac Lake followed by three years at Champlain Valley Senior Community in Willsboro. Our family is grateful for the wonderful sta at both places and the excellent care they provided Gail.
A celebration of life will be arranged on the coast of Maine in Summer 2026.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to two places where Gail volunteered, "Schoodic Arts for All" program or The Dorcas Library in Prospect Harbor, Maine.
Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru, 518-643-9055.