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Joan M. Ryan of Upper Gwynedd, Pennsylvania, previously of Southampton, died on March 10, 2017, in the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township. She was 89 and the wife of Elliott J. Ryan, Major USAF (retired). They celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary last October.
Mrs. Ryan, a daughter of the late Richard W. and Florence R. (McGinniss) Kearney, was born in Brooklyn. She was a graduate of Bishop McDonald High School in Brooklyn, Class of 1946. She traveled the world with her husband on his military and civilian assignments and was active with the Officers’ Wives Club. She also volunteered with the Grey Ladies, helping U.S. troops in military hospitals. Following World War II, she was employed as a secretary in the Empire State Building.
Survivors said she was blessed with many special gifts. She was an accomplished painter and had a strong affinity for singing. She was a great cook who enjoyed entertaining and she will be remembered for caring for others and being a loving and selfless person.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by a son, Richard E. and wife Karen J. of Pennsylvania; a daughter, Kathleen M. Ryan and life partner Jeanette Plunkett of Las Vegas; grandsons, Kevin J. Ryan and fiancé Cassandra Tripaldi and Brett E. Ryan, both of Pennsylvania. She was predeceased by a sister, Ruth F. Wilson.
A funeral service took place last week at the St. Joseph Church-Limeport in Coopersburg. Interment will be at the convenience of the family in the Resurrection Cemetery, Cape May Court House, New Jersey.
Memorial donations may be made to the Lehigh County Humane Society, 640 Dixon St. Allentown, PA 18103.
on Mar 13, 2017