Beatrice Melancon Ryan

December 22, 1925 - December 8, 2022

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Beatrice Ryan, of inanition at a long-term care facility in Guelph. Beatrice likely died as she lived for the last (almost) four years there: with dignity and courage, however, she was unhappy and often in pain, especially for the many weeks leading up to her death and so, she likely died that way. And because Lynn (daughter and POA) was not notified of Beatrice's imminent death in time, she died that night without any family at her bedside to comfort her as she took her last breaths. For this, the family will always be filled with regret.

Beatrice was an eighth-generation Canadian born in Guelph to English / French-speaking parents Amanda Lizotte and Joseph Pierre Antonio Melancon. Beatrice was predeceased by her husband and the love of her life for 62 years, James B. Ryan (2009), as well as her sisters, Irene and Theresa.

In mourning for a very loved and dear mother are: Lynn Ryan of Guelph, Teresa Cook of Strathroy, James Ryan (Hannah) of Cambridge, Lorraine Ryan of London, and Mary John of Scarborough. Beatrice will also be missed by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, cousins Sonny and Barbara (also godmother to Barbara), friends and acquaintances, and wonderful neighbours in Old University.

Beatrice was kind, thoughtful, loving, caring, impeccably mannered, inspirational, smart, knowledgeable, level-headed, respectful, respected, and beautiful with a heart of gold.

Beatrice had a fun and adventurous childhood growing up in downtown Guelph. Her house was by the Speed River where she loved to swim with her friends. She always had a pet cat, or dog, or both. She met her future husband, James B. Ryan, before he went to Europe to serve in WWII. Beatrice worked for a well-known lawyer and when James returned to Canada years later, they were married on a lovely day in July at the Church of Our Lady followed by a reception in her parents' beautifully decorated yard. Together, they succeeded in making a good and happy life for their five children. When all of their children were of school age, Beatrice began working again full-time as an executive secretary in a huge, gorgeous office in Johnston Hall at the University of Guelph. She would be seen walking briskly in all kinds of weather (and in heels!) to and from work every day until her well-deserved retirement. Her day did not end at the office, for when she got home, she continued to be an attentive and loving mother and wife. She was also known to be a wonderful cook! She cherished spending summer vacations during the 60s and 70s at Sauble Beach with her family of seven and sometimes a cat too. She loved her gardens which were mostly planted by James B. and maintained by both of them. Something was and is always blooming throughout the growing season.

She was a wizard at solving difficult crossword puzzles. She enjoyed all things related to science, classic novels, countries, history, music from Franz Liszt to Led Zeppelin, and the well-being of humanity which reflected in the charities she chose to donate to and volunteer for. She and her husband travelled from coast to coast in Canada and to several Caribbean islands.

She played the piano so gently with her own je ne sais quoi. And she sang so sweetly.

A funeral Mass will be held as per her wish "in the spring" on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at 11:00 at Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate, Cork St. W. at Dublin St. N.

Beatrice and her husband gave generously to numerous charities throughout their lives. For those who wish, donations in Beatrice's memory may be made to Covenant House at 1-800-350-9039, or online.

A newly planted city park memorial tree will be dedicated by the family to Beatrice and her husband.

A favourite verse of hers:

I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide

Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied.

And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,

And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the seagulls crying.