Joan F. Ryan

Joan F. (Kierce) Ryan, 90, of Lowell, Massachusetts, a member of a well-known Highlands family, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 22, 2025, surrounded by her loving family and friends.

Married for 54 years to the late Bartholomew F. "Bart" Ryan, who predeceased her in 2015, Joan was also the adoring mother of the late Paul W. Ryan, who died accidentally in 1989 in a courageous attempt to save the life of a friend in distress.

Born in Lowell, MA on August 14, 1935, Joan was the daughter of the late Walter F. and the late Winifred "Mae" (Flannery) Kierce. She attended St. Margaret's Grammar School and graduated from Lowell High School with the class of 1953.

Joan lived all of her 90 years to the fullest. She enjoyed her summers on Cape Cod with her family, watching her two sons Billy and Paul enjoy the sun, sand and ocean and spent many winters on the ski slopes of New England with her family and friends.
When she was able to find time for herself, she enjoyed a good James Patterson novel and countless other books on Hardings Beach in Chatham.

A natural athlete who excelled at tennis, skiing, golf and swimming, Joan was particularly proud of her two consecutive City of Lowell Tennis Championships she won in 1975 and 1976 and her competitive participation in a number of Cape Cod Golf Tournaments. She was a former member of the Mt. Pleasant Golf and Cranberry Valley Golf Clubs in Lowell and Harwich respectively, as well as the Westford Swim and Tennis Club.

Joan was also a woman of impeccable style and class. When it came to special occasions and family events, Joan was always among the best dressed and was well known for her dazzling outfits and perfectly coifed hair. Regardless of whether it was a special event or an ordinary day, she always enjoyed having her nails look pretty. While she loved formal events, at the same time, she thoroughly enjoyed the casual moments, like sitting in the sun, a good conversation and a glass of red wine, scotch or root beer with a friend, and long conversations with her son Bill discussing movies, books, and world events. She also loved animals and over many years loved spending time with the three dogs in her life, Atticus, Sam, and Pappy.

Prior to her retirement, Joan worked as a secretary for James L. Cooney Insurance Agency, Mass Electric and, prior to that, for Attorney Jock Pearson with Pearson and Pearson Law Firm. She also worked in education at the James S. Daley School in Lowell.

In addition to her large extended family, Joan was truly blessed with a wide circle of friends that included the FATAP (Friday Afternoon Tennis and Party) group who shared her love for tennis and the outdoors. Joan was known as the "comedienne extraordinaire" of this group and everyone in the group agreed that "it wasn't a party without Joan."

Joan's surviving circle of friends include:

Nancy Donahue: A loyal friend and tennis partner for more than fifty years, Nancy and Joan shared countless memories and they were always side by side through life's many ups and downs. Nancy's steady presence, laughter, and unwavering love were constants in Joan's life, enriching every year of their long and treasured friendship.

Chris Murray: Chris first came into Joan's life as a helper, but she soon became a beloved friend whose devotion never wavered. Her gentle presence, thoughtful care, and endless generosity brightened Joan's days and provided the steady support she relied on and needed. Chris tended to the little things that brought Joan comfort and ease, but it was her kindness, her visits, and the genuine affection she showed that made her such an irreplaceable part of Joan's life.

Lisa Casey: Lisa was not only Joan's dear, loving, and generous friend, but also a devoted confidante, advisor, business manager, and fierce protector, offering guidance and steadfast support when it was needed the most. Her kindness extended far beyond her duty. Lisa gave her time, her patience, and her heart, always showing up with a generosity that meant everything to Joan. Joan loved to push the envelope just enough to get a rise and a laugh out of Lisa, a warm, mischievous joy uniquely theirs that reflected the deep closeness and trust of their friendship.

Janice McGuire: In addition to regular grocery shopping trips, Joan and Jan enjoyed many quiet dinners together prepared by Janice's son Kevin, a renowned chef and good friend to Joan's son Paul.

Joan also developed a strong circle of friends in the final years of her life at the D'Youville Life and Wellness Community in Lowell. These include:

Diana Bean (aka Princess Diana), Joan's dear and loving companion who shared Joan's love for the outdoors and soaking up the sun while "holding court" together in D'Youville's outdoor garden.

Deb Coffin, a dear friend whose bubbly spirit brightened Joan's days. Deb shared not only her companionship, but thoughtful gifts like the earrings that Joan loved.

Gerri Wininger, Joan's cherished friend with whom she developed a quiet, heartfelt connection. They enjoyed their quiet chats together, and other simple moments like sharing ice cream.

While Joan was a fiercely independent woman, the last few years of her life required her to rely more on others. During these times, Joan was incredibly fortunate to receive the loving care and attention of her nephew Mike Durkin and his wife Karen Clark of Chelmsford, MA. While Karen served as Joan's personal chef preparing her favorite meals, Mike attended to all of Joan's many needs – including ensuring she was placed in the skilled care at D'Youville, coordinating and overseeing her medical care, and making sure her home was full of the simple comforts and treats she enjoyed the most. Most importantly, Mike ensured Joan stayed connected to her family by serving as her personal chauffer to and from important family events, and making sure her birthday was celebrated in style every year.

In addition to her son Paul and husband Bart, Joan was pre-deceased by her sisters Patricia Riley and Mary Callery, and her brother Gerald Kierce.
Joan was also pre-deceased by her dear friend Phil Donahue, the son of her lifelong friend Nancy. Joan held a special place in her heart for Phil. His humor, warmth, and unique spirit brought her great joy, and she cherished their bond deeply. Remembering him always brought a smile to her face. Their connection was a reminder of the simple, genuine friendships that enriched her life.

She is survived by her son William Ryan of Harwich, MA; her granddaughter Brianna Joy Ryan of San Diego, CA, and her twin brother Ronald Kierce of Dennis, MA and his partner Betty Potvin, as well many nieces, nephews and their spouses and children.

A big part of the reason that Joan's final years were so comfortable and enjoyable was the care she received from the staff in the Wannalancit Wing at D'Youville Life & Wellness Community. With this in mind, the family would like to acknowledge the following nurses and nurse assistants who cared for Joan with tenderness and devotion.

Jennifer Ouellette
Jarod Labonte
Erin Sholl
Abdul Mutawakilu
Justina Kilinzili
Ibraham Turay
Teddy Sessay

The above individuals were professional during every moment and their care was always, gentle, attentive, and genuinely loving in the ways that mattered most.

The family would also like to express our gratitude to Joan's Primary Care Physician Dr. Jessica Weiselquist, who cared for Joan with extraordinary love, friendship, devotion and warmth. Dr. Weiselquist not only provided exceptional medical care, but also delivered that care with a heartfelt kindness that made Joan feel genuinely cherished.

Per Joan's wishes, there will be no wake or visiting hours. However, a funeral mass celebrating her extraordinary life will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, December 12, at St. Margaret of Scotland Church - 374 Stevens Street in Lowell, followed by committal services at St. Mary's Cemetery. E-condolences/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests consideration of a contribution to the Paul W. Ryan Memorial Scholarship Fund at the University of Massachusetts – Amherst. Donations to the scholarship fund can be made online here or by check made out to the UMass Amherst Foundation, Inc. and note in the memo line that it should go to the Paul W. Ryan Scholarship fund. The mailing address for check donations is:

UMass Amherst Foundation
Records and Gift Processing
134 Hicks Way
Amherst, MA 01003-9270.

Arrangements by the O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME - LOWELL – MA – (978) 458-8768.