Greta S. Ryan

Greta S. Ryan, age 91, of Norwalk, Connecticut passed away peacefully on March 18, 2026 surrounded by her son, daughter-in-law and three granddaughters.

Born on April 11, 1934 in Haparanda, Sweden to the late Erik Mikael Svanberg and Svea Ianala, Greta was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She graduated from University of Dentistry in Stockholm, Sweden and emigrated to the United States on Christmas Day 1960 where she met the love of her life Thomas Francis Ryan of Norwalk. They were married in 1963, had a son in 1964 and Greta proudly became a U.S. citizen in 1974.

Among her many activities, she served on the Norwalk Hospital Women's Board for many years and enjoyed playing tennis at The Shore & Country Club. Greta was known for her creativity, particularly in writing, watercolor painting, and cooking (where she was a gourmet chef). Her Swedish meatballs were legendary. She was also incredibly giving with a huge heart. There are simply too many examples of her helping others to possibly list. Greta also had a great sense of humor and was quick to do impressions of family members and friends, and she loved to dance and welcomed any excuse to share fun times and cheer. Everyone who knew Greta was better off for the experience. She left a unique and indelible mark.

Greta is survived by her son Thomas M. Ryan and daughter-in-law Stephanie A. Ryan of Westport, CT; her cherished granddaughters, Lily, Sydney, and Tatum of Westport; and her sister Annika Nilsson of Haparanda, Sweden. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 31 years, Thomas Francis Ryan, her fiancé Norman LeBlanc, with whom she shared many happy years later in life, along with her siblings Staffan and Elizabeth Svanberg of Haparanda, Sweden. The Ryans will be eternally grateful to Greta's longtime caregiver Gloria Jamieson, who became part of the family.

Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 25, at 11:30AM at the Church of St. Thomas the Apostle, 203 East Ave, Norwalk. Burial will be held privately. In lieu of donations, please go out with your family and make a toast Greta's amazing life.