Marjorie O'Callaghan Ryan

Those who knew Marjorie most often describe her as a force: fierce, generous, larger than life, and possessing a heart of gold. She brought that force of personality to everything she did, from her lifelong love of theater and historic preservation to her deep involvement in politics and dedication to her family, friends and community. Wherever she lived, Marjorie made her presence felt, built connections, and found ways to make a difference.

Marjorie was born on Staten Island on September 9, 1950, to Pearse and Catherine (Mac) O’Callaghan. She attended Immaculate Conception School and graduated high school at St. Joseph by-the-Sea High School, where she discovered a lifelong love of theater and took pride in creating the background scenery for school productions.

While Timothy Ryan was in medical school, Marjorie moved to Omaha, Nebraska, to be with him. They married and began their life together. Tim's career as a pathologist took them from Nebraska to Michigan and then Ohio, where he became chief pathologist at Blanchard Valley Regional Health Center in Findlay.

Marjorie and Tim built a life centered on family and their enjoyment of bringing people together. They took an active interest in the lives of their five children Shea, Bevin, Shannon, Karina, and Cullen. In Findlay, they renovated a home together, hosted parties, and participated in school, St. Michael’s Catholic Church, and community theater communities. Both were involved with the Fort Findlay Playhouse, where Marjorie performed, helped manage productions, and worked on backstage renovations. Tim also loved theater and contributed behind the scenes. Tim died of cancer in 1996. He was the love of Marjorie's life, and their marriage remained a defining part of her story.

Marjorie's love of theater continued throughout her life. Growing up in Staten Island, she attended Broadway shows and introduced her younger siblings and friends to the excitement of live performance. At the Fort Findlay Playhouse, she brought her enthusiasm to both the stage and the work behind the scenes, helping manage productions and renovate backstage areas. She also enjoyed performing in short films directed by her son Shea.

Wherever Marjorie lived, she engaged in her community. Her volunteer work spanned decades and touched many aspects of community life. She supported school reading programs, served as troop leader for the Boy Scouts and Campfire Girls, participated in the parent-teacher association at St. Michael’s School, and helped with church bazaars, fundraising, and cemetery management. Her commitment to Staten Island remained strong even while she lived elsewhere. She returned frequently to visit family and participate in her parents’ social gatherings and New York Liberal Party fundraisers. After the September 11, 2001, attacks, she drove back to Staten Island to help collect water and supplies for rescuers and other workers at Ground Zero. The experience reinforced the decision to return home permanently.

Back on Staten Island, Marjorie once again engaged in her local community. She refurbished an old Victorian House, joined the Mud Lane Society, participated in local politics, and supported organizations dedicated to helping others and improving the community. Her involvement included Project Hospitality,CHASI, Snug Harbor Botanical Gardens, and St. Paul’s Church.

Marjorie's contributions to community service earned her recognition. Project Hospitality honored her with its Sophie Matthews Memorial Award, and First United Christian Church awarded her its Rosa Parks Award for her extraordinary dedication to service to her community. She built personal connections with the people who served her community and affectionately became known as the lollipop lady to the police officers and firefighters of Staten Island.

Politics was another constant throughout Marjorie's adult life. Her involvement began with her parents' political involvement and developed into decades of hands-on campaign work. She served as a campaign manager for a council seat campaign in Findlay, Ohio; office manager for McMahon for Congress in 2008; deputy campaign manager for John Luisi's borough president campaign; and office manager for John Luisi's 2013 mayoral campaign.

Marjorie's commitment to public service extended beyond political campaigns. She worked as a recruitment assistant, crew leader, and enumerator for the 2010 U.S. Census and served proudly on Staten Island's Community Board 1 from 2009 until her illness prevented her from continuing. She worked as a legal secretary and administrative assistant, bringing the same organizational abilities and determination to her work that she brought to her volunteer activities.

Marjorie's life was defined by her fierce convictions, generosity, creativity, and determination to make a difference. She devoted herself to her family, her friends, her communities, and the causes she believed in. Whether she was working on a theater production, restoring a Victorian house, organizing a political campaign, or helping those in need, she approached life with energy and purpose.

She will be remembered as a force of nature, a passionate advocate, a devoted mother and family member, and a woman with a heart of gold. Her larger-than-life presence touched many lives, and her legacy lives on in the family she loved, the communities she served, and the many people whose lives she made richer.

Marjorie is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Timothy Charles Ryan. Her parents and in laws, Pearse and Catherine (McCarthy) O’Callaghan, and James and Madeline (McCarthy) Ryan; Her Siblings, Michael O’Callaghan and Micki O’Callaghan; Brothers in Law, Jim Ryan, Edward Ryan and Richard Ryan. She is survived by her children, Shea Ryan, Bevin (Ryan) and Greg Ryniker, Shannon Ryan, Karina Ryan and Joshua Prince, Cullen Ryan, and Tricia Payne Ryan; Her siblings, Susanne O’Callaghan and John Walker, Catherine O’Callaghan, Carole O’Callaghan, Edward O’Callaghan and Dawn Vendt, John and Lori O’Callaghan, Tommy O’Callaghan and Sofia Sierra, Frank O’Callaghan and Elizabeth Esposito, and Mark and Sharon O’Callaghan; Her grandchildren, Karina Mac Ryniker, Fiona Ryan, Liam Ryniker, Aidan Ryan and Sean Ryniker; Her many beloved cousins and nieces and nephews and god children.