Wanda Louise Ryan

Wanda Louise (Boyer) Ryan, of Rochester Hills, Michigan passed away at the age of 90 on December 9, 2022. She was born on July 31, 1932, in Sterns, Kentucky to Silas and Bertha Boyer. Wanda is survived by her four children: Sharon (Benjamin) Newman, Rochele (Mark) Hornbacher, Annette (Donald) Lewandowski and John M. Ryan., her nine grandchildren: Mary Hornbacher, Mark (Gayle) Hornbacher, Kathleen (Danny) Hornbacher Dickinson, Charles (Mary) Hornbacher, Erin (Timothy) O’Leary Bradstreet, Ryan O’Leary, Donald Lewandowski, III, Alexander Lewandowski, Kaitlyn Lewandowski, nine great-grandchildren: Isaac Dickinson, Jackson Dickinson, Daniel Dickinson, Gabrielle Dickinson, Judith Dickinson, Jack Bradstreet, Max Bradstreet, Mark Hornbacher, and Bernard Hornbacher. She is also survived by her brother, Robert (Colleen) Boyer Wanda married her beloved husband, John V. Ryan on August 23, 1952, and they were together until his passing on August 16, 2016.

Wanda had fond memories of her childhood growing up in Kentucky with her parents and siblings: Madeleine, Gwendolyn, William, John, Robert, and Warren. She had many aunts, uncles, and cousins and enjoyed family gatherings and reunions with them throughout the years. Wanda moved with her family to Detroit when she was 10 years old. She met her future husband, John “Jack” when she was a 19-year-old college student at Highland Park Community College. Jack was a door-to-door encyclopedia

salesman and Wanda was so impressed with Jack’s salesmanship, not to mention his wares, that she bought a set. It was a wise investment as the encyclopedia was well used by their children. Jack became a State Farm Insurance Agent and in the early years Wanda helped in his office. She and Jack attended State Farm conventions in some exciting destinations, including Hawaii, Mexico, Spain, and Montreal, just to name a few.

Wanda’s vocation in life was that of a devoted wife and mother. Nothing gave her more pleasure than raising her children and caring for her home. She also embraced volunteer work within the community, from lunchroom monitor to basketball coach, Wanda wore many volunteer hats. When her children became adults, she continued volunteer work at Hutzel Hospital in Detroit and for the Older Persons’ Commission (OPC) in Rochester. Her creative and artistic talents were put to good use by painting scenery for plays, costume design, make-up artist, and anything creative and artistic.

Wanda was truly a Renaissance Woman. She was an accomplished artist, sculptor, a published poet, jewelry designer, floral arranger, restorer of dolls and master seamstress. Her creative talent was second to none and she could accomplish anything she put her mind to. Wanda attended many continuing education classes at Marygrove College and Duns Scotus College. Her interest was in theology and most importantly, Bible Study. Wanda was quite the bible scholar and could recite many of her favorite passages. A devout convert to Catholicism, Wanda also liked to stay in touch with her Protestant roots by listening to the preachers of all denominations on television. When it came to religion, she had an open mind, and a genuine desire to learn about world religions. She loved to read, especially about history. Wanda was a world-class conversationalist, being well-versed in current events and politics.

Wanda led a life well-lived, and a life well lived is the most exquisite work of art.

The family welcomes donations to Living Inclusively for Everyone, Inc. (LIFE), as an expression of sympathy instead of flowers. This is a non-profit Special Needs Group Home in Davie, FL where her grandson, Donnie is a resident. Donate via Zelle to [email protected]