Catherine Ryan

It is hard to believe that our dear mother has passed away; a lady who embraced all aspects of her faith, her life and everyone in it. While enjoying time in the sun at her second home in Arizona, Catherine (Kay) Irene Ryan was called by the Lord on December 1, 2013 at the age of 88. She is reunited with her beloved husband Leo Benedict Ryan with whom she shared 50 beautiful years. Born in Dublin, Ontario to Patrick and Elizabeth Woods, Kay was predeceased by her four siblings Joe, Sister Mary Kieran, Dolly and Paddy. Growing up on a farm instilled within her a strong work ethic that she carried with her throughout her life. Kay started her career as a teacher in a one room schoolhouse, and true to our mother’s independent nature, she took great pride in purchasing her first car, a Model A. Her pride in her ride stayed with her well into her 80’s when she purchased her canary yellow 2 door Mustang. Everyone smiled when they caught a glimpse of her personalized license plate “Granny R” driving by.

Mom and Dad had many adventures together including building every home they lived in, building their cottage on Lake Huron, travelling around the world with their friends and successfully starting their own businesses- Ryan’s Carwash, Ryan Hi-Way Fence and Ryan Custom Homes. This was the training ground for their five children to learn the Ryan work ethic. Mom valued family above all else. She was exceptionally proud of her children Bob (Doreen), Dan (Julia), Benny, Betty Anne (Jurgen Feht) and Mike (Teri). Mom’s greatest joy came from her time with her nine grandchildren Sarah, Julie, Jordan, Maireanne, Rebecca, Patricia, Emily, Nicholas and Charles and seven great grandchildren Audric, Everett, Ronan, Llyr, Morgan, Alex, and Benjamin. Kay will be missed by her many friends and extended family.

A Funeral Mass in Kay’s memory was held in Kitchener and due to uncontrollable circumstances another Funeral Mass, originally scheduled for this past Monday has been rescheduled:

Friends are welcome to join Kay’s family on Friday, December 13th for visitation at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, Dublin, Ontario beginning at 10 a.m. A Funeral Mass will then be held at 11 a.m. followed by a luncheon in the church hall. Spring Interment will take place at St. Patrick’s Cemetery.

As expressions of sympathy donations to St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church would be greatly appreciated by the family and can be made through McGlynn Family Funeral Home, Seaforth, 519-527-1390 or by visiting Kay’s memorial at www.mcglynnfamilyfuneralhome.com or Schreiter-Sandrock Funeral Home at www.schreitersandrockfuneralhome.com