Ruth Frances Ryan

Ruth Frances Ryan lived life to the fullest! Throughout her 97 years, she was loved and appreciated as a fun-loving and devoted daughter, sister, and aunt; respected educator and administrator; and faithful Catholic. With a great sense of adventure and undeniable sense of humor, Ruth traveled the globe, hand-churned her own ice-cream, and organized parades at many family 4th of July celebrations. If she wasn’t baking, digging for rubies, or helping someone, most likely, Ruth was walking. She walked everywhere, including a long-distance trek from Elmhurst to Syosset one sunny fall day!

Ruth Frances Ryan passed away on Sunday, July 31, 2022, in Oyster Bay, NY.

Ruth was born on November 9, 1924, at her family home in Elmhurst, Queens to Margaret (Staebler) and Thomas Ryan, and was soon joined by two sisters, Margaret and Patricia. Until moving to Oyster Bay Manor/Harbor House nearly 10 years ago, Ruth lived in that same Elmhurst home!

A straight “A” student, Ruth graduated from Hunter College in 1946 with a major in Mathematics and a minor in Education. She went on to attend Columbia Teachers College, where she received a Master of the Arts in 1950, with majors in both Early Childhood Education and Administration. Ruth’s diploma is signed by Columbia University’s president at the time - Dwight D. Eisenhower!

Ruth began a 30+ year career in education as a substitute teacher, and soon moved on as a teacher and an assistant principal at several schools in Queens and Brooklyn. From 1962 - 1977, Ruth served as the principal of PS 30 in the Bronx. Throughout her career, Ruth was commended for her leadership and dedication. However, it was her empathy and kindness towards the children that made her one of a kind. Ruth and her mother were known to supply students with warm winter coats and other necessities whenever a need arose!

Although in her later years, memory care became necessary, Ruth never lost her sweet spirit and happy smile. What a blessing she was to her family, friends, and community!

Ruth is survived by her sister Margaret Furlong of Syosset. She was predeceased by her sister Patricia M. Murray. Ruth is also survived by three generations of loving nieces and nephews and a large extended family.

A visitation for Ruth will be held Wednesday, August 3, 2022, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Beney Funeral Home, 79 Berry Hill Road, Syosset, New York 11791. A funeral Mass will occur Thursday, August 4, 2022, at 9:45 AM at St. Edward Confessor RC Church, 205 Jackson Ave, Syosset, New York 11791. An interment will occur Thursday, August 4, 2022, at Saint Charles Resurrection Cemetery, 2015 Wellwood Avenue, Farmingdale, New York 11735.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.beney-fh.com for the Ryan family.