Grace B. Ryan

Born in Orange, New Jersey, Grace was raised in Chicago, Illinois, where she spent her childhood and much of her adult life before later making her home in Louisiana. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas Ryan; her parents, Calogero and Rosaria Virga Bellavia; and her brother, John Bellavia.

She leaves behind a legacy of deep and enduring love through her daughter, Clara Ryan; her son, Charles Ryan; her granddaughter, Jessica Megan Ryan; her husband, Mitchell Spongia; and her treasured great-grandchildren, Aidan, Caelan, and Tristan Spongia. She is also survived by her sister, Aurelia Pacente, and her sister-in-law, Nancy Ryan, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

Grace was, in every sense of the word, the heart and matriarch of her family. Vivacious in spirit, strong in conviction, and unwavering in her devotion, she lived her life with a quiet but powerful purpose—to give everything she could for those she loved.

A gifted interior designer, Grace brought beauty into the world through her work, creating welcoming spaces that reflected warmth, elegance, and care. But her greatest work was within her home. She was the steady light—the one who guided, nurtured, and held generations together.

Her Catholic faith was the foundation of her life. For many years, she served her parish in New Orleans as part of the liturgical environment ministry, offering her artistic gifts in service to God. She believed deeply in living her faith not only in word, but in action—with devotion, surrender, and trust in God’s will, no matter the circumstances.

Grace’s love for her family knew no limits. In an extraordinary act of sacrifice and devotion, she traveled 120 miles each day for years so her daughter could receive a Catholic education—an enduring testament to her belief in faith, learning, and the future of those she loved. Later, she continued that legacy by helping to educate her granddaughter at home, passing on both knowledge and faith with the same tireless dedication.

She lived surrounded by three generations who loved and adored her- a life rooted in family, faith, and the beauty of everyday moments. Though small in stature, she was remembered by all as a woman with a heart far greater than her frame—strong, wise, and filled with unconditional love.

Grace often reminded those she loved, “Your beginnings never know your ends.” She lived those words fully—with hope, courage, and a belief in something greater still to come.

She was a mentor, a guide, a friend, and above all, a devoted mother whose sacrifices shaped the lives of all who knew her. Her presence was a blessing, her life a gift, and her love a light that will continue to shine in the hearts of her family.

Many thanks to Dr. Cefalu, all the caregivers of Ochsner St. Mary, and Hope Hospice for their compassion and caring. Instead of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Sacred Heart Parish Faith Formation, Morgan City, Louisiana.

A light so small the world might miss,

yet bright enough to guide us still.

She tended love with steady hands—

and left it burning in our hearts.