Mary Power Ryan

Mary is lovingly remembered by her husband of 42 years, Joseph A. Ryan; her seven stepchildren; twelve grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and several cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, Walter Edward Rabus and Catherine Bentley Rabus, as well as her sister, Ruth Rabus Fouche, and her brother, John Rabus.

Mary earned her Bachelor of Arts from Uppsala University and her Master of Library Science from Emory University. Following her studies, she traveled extensively and began a distinguished early career in academia, holding postgraduate teaching positions at the University of Arizona and Emory University. She later made her home in Washington, D.C., where she served in several roles within the federal government, including appointments at the White House, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the U.S. Agency for International Development.

In her later years, Mary devoted her time to volunteer work at the Georgetown Library, Horace Mann Elementary School, and Sibley’s Grand Oaks Assisted Living Community. She was an avid reader and a talented knitter, and as a member of the Holy Trinity knitting group, she lovingly created many baby blankets for the Christ Child Society. Mary was also known for her thoughtful and beautifully written personal notes, which she shared generously with family and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on April 10, 2026, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Georgetown, followed by a reception. Inurnment will take place at Holy Rood Cemetery in Georgetown.