LaVonne “Vonnie” B. Ryan of Slingerlands, New York, died on November 24 at St. Peter’s Hospice Inn in Albany. She was 77.
Born and educated in Southampton, she was the daughter of the late Leo M. and Gwen Smith Blinderman. Graduating from SUNY Buffalo in 1954, she earned her master’s degree from the College of St. Rose in 1963. She went on to work for the school districts of Albany, Buffalo, Bethlehem, South Colonie Central as well as the Stratton VA Medical Center, and the University at Albany.
She also served on the board of directors of the former YWCA, and she and her friend, Roddie Dobris Kaplan, co-founded the first speech and language program in the city of Albany.
Mrs. Ryan is survived by her husband of 54 years, Dr. Paul Ryan, DDS; two daughters, Kathleen Goodwin and her husband Bill of Rockville, Maryland, and Laura Ryan of Manhattan; a sister, Jean Hildreth, and a brother, Bob Blinderman, both of Colorado; two grandchildren, Matthew William Goodwin and Dana Nicole Goodwin, both of Rockville; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her two sons, Richard Paul Ryan and Scott Paul Ryan; and an uncle, Sam Jenny.
Funeral services were held on November 28 at the Philip J. Brendese Funeral Home in Waterford. Interment was at St. Agnes Cemetery in Menands.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to WAMC National Public Radio sent in care of the funeral home, 133 Broad Street, Waterford, NY 12188 would be appreciated by the family.
on Dec 2, 2009