Joan Florence Ryan

Joan Florence Eberle Ryan currently of New Bern, NC went to rest on Thursday March 21, 2024 at the age of 91. Born in Richmond Hills Queens, NY, on December 13, 1932 to the late Henry Eberle and Josephine Kramer Eberle. Preceded in death by her grandson William Jonathon Rivera.

Joan enlisted in the US Navy in 1952, during the Korean War and served stateside in Pensacola, Fl. She worked as a hospital Corpsman in her favorite place, the delivery room. She was honorably discharged from active duty in 1956. After her discharge, Joan worked as a Physician’s assistant, returning to the NY/NJ area to begin her civilian life. Her dedication to serve had her return as a Reservist in both the Army and Naval Reserve, while she raised her six children.

Whether you met Joan through one of her six children or eleven grandchildren, she was Mom or Grandma and she regaled you with stories of her long lived life. Stories about her love of nutrition, healing, bringing her rubber gloves and wheat germ with her when she enlisted, dancing with the Corpsman in Pensacola, raising her kids, helping with grandkids, “do you know what these 2 fingers are used for", being a “card shark”, her love for babies and so many many more. If there was a deck of cards handy, she would sit you down and teach you “kings in the corner” and several other games, all the while telling you to pay attention to the cards and telling you stories. In the line at the grocery store, at her doctors, at church, anywhere; Mom never met a stranger.

Joan was a devout Catholic. She was an advocate for the Divine Mercy Chaplet and Novena, buying and giving away the Diary of Sister Faustina often to complete strangers. Joan once aspired to become a nun. When in her early 70’s, she began her novitiate period but did not take her vows and moved to NC in 2004, where she spent several years near family. However, Sturgeons Bay, WI called to her and she was off to explore again. She became active in Saint Joseph Parish while there. She remained close with her church family from WI even after returning to NC in 2019 to be closer to family and out of the cold weather. Joan was currently involved with Saint Paul Catholic Church in New Bern, NC and loved Spanish Mass every Sunday. She told me once that she so enjoyed Spanish Mass because of Father Munoz and being able to see all the babies that came with their families.

Joan was extremely independent. She kept active by walking and loved meeting people and dogs on her walks around her neighborhood. She stopped to talk and gave every dog a pat and treats she kept just for them. Joan spent the last few years visiting locally with family, enjoying her great grand babies, playing cards and reading mysteries until the early morning hours. She will be missed by all, but in her own words she was ready and “life goes on”.

Joan is survived by her son John Ryan, daughter Jeanne Ryan, son Thomas Ryan, daughter Deneen Ryan, daughter Peggy Ryan and husband Todd Marshall, daughter Suzanne Rivera and husband Robert Rivera; grandchildren Brian, Brenton, Darren, Ryan, Brie, Tyson (Courtney), Tristan (Brooke), Ry'nard, and Adrian; great grandchildren “Isa” Isabel Alina, Michael Anthony, and Ember Joan.

Joan’s wishes were to be cremated and placed in a military cemetery.

Family and friends will be having a Celebration of Life at a future time.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be given to a local church or animal rescue.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Joan Ryan.