Grace Elizabeth Ryan

Grace Elizabeth Ryan, nee Dungan, passed away peacefully July 7, 2022. Born April 29, 1929 in Washington, DC to Lottie J. (Headley) and Robert Dungan. Her father, Robert passed away in 1935. Lottie later married Earl S. Rich who raised her into adulthood.

Grace was a 1950 graduate of St. Cecilia’s Academy and was May Queen her senior year. She then became an X-ray technician. In September 1952, she married John F. Ryan, also of Washington, DC. The newly married couple moved to Rockville, MD.

She is survived by Ann Marie & Bill Day, Robert & Louise Ryan, Kathleen & Jay Eigenbrode, and John & Dyanne Ryan. She is preceded in death by her husband, John Sr. and eldest daughter, Elizabeth (Beth) & her husband, Doug Asbury.

Grace had eleven grandchildren; Kelley (Chris) Terry, Lesley (Mike) Villarose, W. Christopher (Lindsay) Day, Douglas (Alexis) Asbury, Logan (Genevieve) Asbury, Leigh (Luis) Hurtado, Matthew Ryan, Bryan (Jenna) & Jill Kaplan, Stephanie & Bridgette Ryan, and Monica Asbury. And, 9 (so far) great-grandchildren; Bailey Terry, Lexi Villarose, Shelby, Lincoln, Leland & Sullivan Asbury, Connor & Makena Day, and Jordan Kaplan.

Grace was a courageous fighter her entire life. At age 16 she was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma which took her right leg. Eight years later she had lung cancer. This did not stop her from chasing around her own children, neighborhood kids, cats, dogs, and one ill-advised chicken. Grace loved all children and animals, wild, tame or stray. As her children grew older and started their own families, Grace became even bolder and learned to drive. (At age 57!) It was a true experience to ride with her.

She was a lifelong member of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Rockville, Maryland. She was active in the Sodality and served as prefect in the 1970s. She was named Parishioner of the Year in 2005. Grace’s children, grandchildren & great-grandchildren attended St. Mary’s school where she volunteered for the school lunch program. She also catered weddings and events in the school auditorium and many other venues. She was an excellent cook and every meal she created was delicious.

As Grace’s health declined, she was placed in the Charles E. Smith Life Communities where she received first-rate care and attention by the nurses and aides. Ms. Gracie will be missed.

Grace will be missed by everyone. Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends and acquaintances. (Although every acquaintance turned into a friend.)

Please join us in celebrating Grace's life.

Friends may call at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Mary's Chapel, (The Old Church), 520 Viers Mill Road, Rockville, MD 20852 on Tuesday July 12, 2022 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM where a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Wednesday July 13, 2022 at 10:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Grace's name to the Montgomery County Humane Society.