Peggy Ryan

1/27/1934 - 12/2/2025

Oakdale - Peggy Ryan, 91, a local treasure of Montville for more than 60 years, passed away peacefully Dec. 2, 2025, surrounded by the family she cherished with every beat of her generous heart.

Born in Florence, Colo., Jan. 27, 1934, she was the daughter of the late John Gilmour and Della Fulton. She was predeceased by her daughter Katherine (Hood) Fallon; her husbands, James N. Ryan and Donald W. Hood Jr.; and her siblings: Samuel Gilmour, Patricia Hickman, Edna (Midge) Klindt, Barbara Francois and Margaret Gjovick.

Peggy's life took her across the country - from the mountains of Colorado to the beaches of Oregon and California - before she and her family put down deep roots in Montville in the 1960s. It was here, in the quiet beauty of southeastern Connecticut, that she truly bloomed.

Peggy was a woman of unshakable faith. A lifelong follower of Christ, her belief in God's love shone through in everything she did - from the way she welcomed strangers like old friends to the way she worried about everyone's safety every time a siren sounded (followed, of course, by a round of phone calls).

An artist in every sense, Peggy began painting in her later years, learning to capture beautiful images on canvas that she cherished and loved to share with others. She also wrote with a grace that touched countless hearts. Her home was a gallery of her talents and treasures, especially her cherished collection of cobalt blue glass that sparkled in every window. She was never happier than when surrounded by beauty, whether it was a piece of antique furniture she had rescued and restored, a sunset over the water, or the faces of her children and grandchildren gathered around her table.

Peggy was the heart of every holiday and the queen of every celebration, but she is most memorably remembered as the witch at Halloween and a proud, feather-topped member of the Red Hat Society. She loved her daily visits to the Montville Senior Center, sitting down by the water, and the lifelong friendships that felt more like family.

She is survived by her devoted children: Donald W. Hood III, Shawn Ryan, Roark Ryan and Shannon Ryan (Randy Jackson); her adored grandchildren: Ross Meyer (Melissa), Patrick Ryan (Brianna), Kelsey Ryan, Kaitlyn Ryan, Meghan Ryan (Julian), Roark C. Ryan, Randall A. Jackson, Patrick Jackson, and Jennifer Faraci (Steven); along with many beloved great-grandchildren (each one the light of her life); as well as numerous nieces, nephews and a community of friends who will miss her laughter echoing through Montville.

Peggy has gone home to the Lord she loved so fiercely - no doubt already rearranging the warmest welcome committee in Heaven, blue glass in hand, paintbrush tucked behind her ear, ready to call everyone just to make sure they're safe.

"We love you, Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma - always and forever!"

Calling hours will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8, at Woyasz & Son Funeral Home, 11 Jerome Road, Uncasville. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, at St. John Church, 22 Maple Avenue, Uncasville.