Cheryl Mae Ryan

1949 - 2024

Our community lost an extraordinary individual. Cheryl Mae Ryan was beloved and is irreplaceable. Her legacy of kindness and generosity endures in our memories. Cheryl touched countless lives with her warmth and wisdom. She was deeply loved and highly respected. Her impact on those around her is a testament to the exceptional person she was.

Born in Ludlow, MA in 1949, Cheryl was the oldest of four. Her parents, Mary and Walter, were proud immigrants from Portugal and Italy, intent on creating a better life for their family. Right from the start, Cheryl was a kind, earnest, and spirited child. Eager to help, she was always at the heels of her father around his wood shop or chasing her mother through the family garden. Determined to learn by doing, Cheryl loved working with her hands and spent countless weekends and vacations painting, fixing, and organizing the house. She delighted in the idea of completing a task and always glowed brightest after "a good day of honest effort".

Cheryl was not a natural student but believed deeply in the power of education as an equalizer. The first in her family with a college degree, Cheryl spent her formative years attending catholic schools in Springfield, MA. She graduated Ursuline Academy in 1966 and College of our Lady of the Elms, a small Romain Catholic school in Chicopee, MA, in 1970. In 1976 Cheryl earned a Master of Education in Counseling from Westfield State University. In 1985 she completed her Sixth-Year Certificate from Southern Connecticut University.

At her core, Cheryl was a teacher. Her greatest joy came from connecting with others and making every person feel important. Over the course of 40 joyous years, Cheryl mentored thousands of students as a Guidance Counselor at Branford High School, as an Adjunct Professor at Southern Connecticut State University, and as an Admission Counselor at Stony Brook University. Cheryl was known as an esteemed colleague and trusted advisor. She will be remembered most for her infectious smile and unwavering support of those in need.

While a child of the sixties, Cheryl was never particularly interested in the explorations and tumult of the counter-culture movement. Instead, she preferred the simple pleasures of building a home, growing a family, and being active and engaged in the local community. Cheryl met her husband, Francis E. Ryan, in Springfield, MA in the summer of 1969. Unlike Cheryl, Fran was a rowdy and risk-taking youngster who felt more comfortable testing boundaries and breaking rules. Yet, despite their differences, Cheryl quickly fell for Fran's big heart and strong constitution. Over the course of fifty years together, Cheryl and Fran shared an unbreakable bond. Through good times and bad, they stood by each other steadfast in their commitment. Exceptional athletes and lifelong learners, Cheryl and Fran loved to play golf, go for long walks, and try new restaurants together. Unquestionably, Cheryl's greatest joy was spending time with her three children - Casey, Evan, and Kellie - and being "Mae Mae" to her four grandchildren - Dylan, Tate, Crosby, and Cleo. Whether it was a weekend road trip to the beach house, a sunrise Surf Club setup, or the endless hours cheerleading from the sidelines, Cheryl was most content when she was out in the world surrounded by family and friends.

After retiring, Cheryl continued to stay active as an educator, athlete, and community member. With a passion for her small town of Guilford, CT, Cheryl became a competent Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker, where her favorite job was helping young families find their first home. A consummate extrovert, Cheryl cherished meeting new people and learning new skills. At 60 she took up rowing so she could "stay strong" while enjoying the peace and serenity of a misty morning sunrise over the Connecticut River. At 65 she joined a local running club where she made fast friends and soon thereafter ran her first half-marathon, never once stopping to walk. At 70 she was an avid home gardener, active exerciser, and daily churchgoer.

In the last years of her life, Cheryl fell ill with Alzheimer's disease. It was an unfair and unfitting final chapter for Cheryl, but as always, she faced the reality of the situation with strength and determination. In a touching tribute to who she was and the immense impact she had on everyone in her orbit, Cheryl's entire care community mourned her loss.

As a person, Cheryl was kind and compassionate. A devout Catholic, she was a loving, present mother and the most loyal friend. She was easy with a smile and always ready with a hug. She was cautious but curious. A willing listener and natural conversationalist who was more interested in knowing about you then sharing about her. Cheryl could move mountains with her determination and was not easily dissuaded. She was protective of her people and could be unexpectedly fierce and fearless, especially in the face of perceived injustice.

Cheryl loved to laugh and cherished her many life-long friendships, all of whom she considered essential to her being. Her forever "besties". Her "Branford High divas". Her "running crew". And, of course, her siblings - Sue, John, Paul - and their extended families whom she loved more than anything. Cheryl was the matriarch of the family, carrying on the legacy set by her mother, Mary. From berry-picking outings to dinner parties, nobody could catalyze a group adventure like she could. A busy bee to her core, Cheryl was everywhere, always.

In the last days of her life, surrounded by loved ones, Cheryl found peace and tranquility. We will miss her generous spirit and warm, loving light. May she rest in peace.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Cheryl's honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.