Margaret Ryan

1943 - 2025

Margaret Ryan
September 2, 1943 - November 9, 2025
Margaret "Peggy" Ryan, a loving mother, grandmother, wife and friend, passed away peacefully on November 9th, at the age of 82. Surrounded by her family, she faced her battle with acute myeloid leukemia with grace and courage.
Born on September 2, 1943, in Los Angeles, Peggy was raised to be selfless and strong. After the early loss of her mother, she and her older siblings helped their father care for the family, an experience that created strong ties among them and instilled a deep sense of compassion. After graduating from the University of California at Santa Barbara, Peggy longed to see the world, becoming a flight attendant for United Airlines. Her kind heart and big smile made friends of strangers. It was at that time she met her husband, Don, in Chicago to whom she was devoted for 55 years. Being a devout Catholic, the heart of her family and a faithful friend, she never shied away from tough times and always made time to visit sick friends and others in need.
Peggy's special gift was her genuine love for people. She made lifelong friends while living in Laguna Beach, CA, Farmington Hills, MI, and Ridgefield, CT. It was in Ridgefield, where she lived for over 20 years with her husband and their three children. She enjoyed the company of friends and strangers alike, often embarrassing her children by asking for directions or stopping by the side of the road to dig up interesting plants. During her time in Pebble Beach, Peggy enjoyed the companionship of her book club friends and wished she had been able to spend more time with the hiking group that graciously welcomed her in.
She found joy in serving others by volunteering with Nancy's Project and helping at the Dorothy Day Soup Kitchen. Peggy found peace and purpose gardening in her yard and picking strawberries or exploring her worm farm with her grandchildren. She was a proud member of her local garden club and volunteered at the Carmel Mission.
Above all, her family was the center of her universe. She dedicated her life to raising her children, always encouraging and supporting their interests and caring for her husband in his final years. She made their home a gathering place for kids in the neighborhood whether it was for CCD, children's plays, sledding in wintertime, or playing kick the can during summers. She sacrificed many weekends driving back and forth to Vermont, so her son could pursue his love of skiing.
She is survived by her children, Christy, Brent and Kim; six cherished grandchildren, Chloe, Johan, Saskia, Sabrina, Sebastian and Alexander; and her brother and sisters, Ken, Cathy and Irene. She joins her husband, Don, her parents, Richard and Margaret, her stepmother, Alice, her sisters, Mary Helen and Anita.
A Funeral Mass will be held on November 24th, at 10am at Carmel Mission Basilica. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Nancy's Project.