Mary Kay Ryan's Obituary
“You taught us the courage of stars before you left How light carries on endlessly, even after death With shortness of breath, you explained the infinite How rare and beautiful it is that we even exist” Mary Katherine Ryan, 74, of Syracuse, New York and Dallas, Texas, passed away on January 15, 2017. Mary Kay was known for her love of her family and friends, all things Virginia and Ireland and laughing in church. Somewhere in Heaven, she is trying to explain herself to her mother and to Jesus. Mary Kay was born in Amsterdam, New York to Dr. William and Christine Ryan on January 2nd, 1943. She was a graduate of Most Holy Rosary Catholic High School and Marywood University. During her collegiate career, she was involved in the Theater Department and also had the opportunity to interview Bobby Kennedy (yes, THE Bobby Kennedy). Mary Kay worked a number of jobs, mostly as a commercial interior designer; however, she always said her most important job was that of being a mother to her three children. She could be strict, correcting misbehavior with a single look. She also gave her children the space to make mistakes, staying close enough to catch them when they fell. She presided over children’s squabbles, Boy Scout and 4-H meetings, her daughters’ questionable fashion choices and nightly dinners at the dining room table. You didn’t need to be related to Mary Kay for her to consider you family. Her greatest accomplishment was creating an extended family that truly enjoys spending time together, supports and loves each other, and her place at the table will be sorely missed. Mary Kay is survived by her three children: Michael (wife Heather), Karen (husband Chris) and Ellen; her four grandchildren Michael, Katherine, Jacob and Haley; four sisters and numerous nieces and nephews, her favorites being Lisa, Claire, Marnie, Pete, Jenny, Brian and Sarah. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, February 4th, 2017 at the Restland Funeral Home, Wildwood Chapel. The family will receive visitors prior to the service beginning at 9:00 AM. Mary Kay’s family wishes to extend our sincere love and appreciation to Rachel Valencia and the staff of Arden Court Memory Care facility. They always treated Mary Kay with dignity and respect, and her family will be forever grateful. Memorial contributions m Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, at Restland Road, Dallas, TX 75243.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary?
Share a story where Mary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary you’ll never forget.
How did Mary make you smile?