Ann Marie Ryan

Mrs. Ryan attended St. Pius V Grammar School and St. Xavier Academy in Providence before earning a Bachelor’s degree from Emmanuel College. After receiving a Master’s degree in Social Work from Saint Louis University, Mrs. Ryan worked there briefly in student affairs before returning to New England. Her long and rewarding career in social work included positions with the state department of social services juvenile probation, a substance abuse clinic, and as a supervisor in a small family casework agency. After an eight-year hiatus to have six children, Mrs. Ryan returned to work in the Marshfield Public School system where she served as a devoted and enthusiastic school adjustment counselor for twenty-six years.

Upon their marriage, the Ryans moved to Scituate where they could live near the water, raise their family, and enjoy many years of boating from Scituate Harbor to favorite spots, including the North River, Cuttyhunk, and Martha’s Vineyard. Mrs. Ryan was active in Scituate’s St. Frances Xavier Cabrini parish and a supporter of the parish’s ongoing prayerful vigil. She taught CCD and led Cub Scouts and Camp Fire Girls groups for many years. In retirement, Mrs. Ryan enjoyed working with the Emmanuel College Alumnae Association, various church activities, and, most importantly, being present and attentive to her children and grandchildren. She also continued her commitment to social services as a dedicated volunteer case-reviewer for the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families.

Predeceased by her husband, Edward P. Ryan of Scituate, parents Clara J. (McCabe) and John J. Kelley of Providence, and a brother John J. Kelley of Delray Beach, FL, Mrs. Ryan is survived by six children and their spouses: Ellen M. Ryan of Hingham, Edward J. Ryan and Laura Fantasia of Scituate; Kathryn T. Reape and Timothy of Scituate; Margaret M. Ryan of Dedham; Julie Ryan Caputo and Christopher of Nashville, TN; and Libby Ryan-Kern and Michael of Honolulu, HI; nine grandchildren: Teresa and Clare Ryan; Alessandra Ryan; Ryan and Molly Reape; Eleanor Ryan; Nathaniel, Gabriel, and Bridget Ryan-Kern; her brother, Joseph Kelley and his wife, Eleanor, of Naples, FL; and many nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held at the Richardson-Gaffey Funeral Home, 382 First Parish Road, Scituate on Sunday, January 4, 2015 from 2 to 6 PM. A funeral Mass will be celebrated in Saint Anthony’s Church, 10 Summer Street, Cohasset on Monday, January 5, 2015 at 11:00 AM. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Norwell Visiting Nurses, 120 Longwater Drive, Norwell, MA 02061.