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BORN
1942
DIED
2023
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Sheila Ryan Obituary
SHEILA RYAN
Sheila Ryan, of Oakton, Virginia, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2023, with her family by her side.
Born in Syracuse, NY, in 1942, Sheila was the only daughter of the late John and Veronica Ryan. With her five brothers, Sheila grew up in the Jackson Heights neighborhood of Queens, New York City and later in West Englewood, New Jersey where she attended St. Anastasia's Parochial School and St. Cecilia's High School. She received her undergraduate degree from St. Thomas College.
Sheila was the eldest granddaughter in a large Irish-American family. She and her brothers spent childhood summers in South Boston and Plymouth, Massachusetts where they forged lifelong bonds with their grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Adventurous from a young age, Sheila accompanied her parents on numerous international trips, including visits to family in Ireland, a tour of Africa in 1967, and a 6-week trip around the world in 1969. These early experiences honed a lifelong curiosity about the world that led her to embark on many global adventures, including hiking around Machu Picchu in her seventies.
Sheila resided in Houston, Texas for more than 20 years where she oversaw environmental regulations for Continental Oil Company and ConocoPhillips. After retiring, she relocated to Virginia near three of her brothers and served multiple terms as President of her community homeowner association.
Sheila was a lover of Irish music and heritage, a New York Times crossword puzzle aficionado, a golf devotee, a country music fan, and a history buff. She was a matriarch in the extended Ryan family, and her legacy of love and unwavering devotion to family will endure and inspire all who knew her.
She is survived by three of her brothers â€" John (Rosemary), James, and Timothy Ryan (Mari Lynne). In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers Paul and Michael Ryan (Mary Ann). She is also survived by nine adoring nieces and nephews; five great nieces and nephews; and many cherished cousins from the Ryan, Valenza, Conlon, Gleason, Burns, and Leasure families.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, January 6 at St. Luke Catholic Church in McLean, Virginia.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sheila Ryan
3 Entries
Eva Fatenko
January 2, 2024
An Irish Blessing...May God grant you a generous share of eternity, Aunt Sheila! I imagine you reunited and laughing again with your dear parents (and Ditto by your Father´s side)! You were a force in this world - bringing your sharp intellect and wit to all your conversations! You, your parents and rest of family will always be part of some of my happiest childhood memories! I am sad beyond words to know you have left this world behind. Love, Eva
Catherine Cogan
December 29, 2023
Dear John & Rosemary, Jim, Timothy & Mari Lynne, and Mary Ann,
We were so saddened to hear of Sheila´s death. In October, Sheila had told me of her cancer and we were communicating. Then, I wasn´t getting through on the phone or hearing a response by text. We became aware of her death on Legacy. What a tremendous loss to you all and all the younger family members! Sheila came into my life when we met as freshmen in high school! The Ryan home became my second home; Mr. and Mrs. Ryan and all her brothers were family to me! We were life-long friends. Sheila was in my wedding party and Godmother to my daughter, Patti.
We will attend the Funeral Mass on Saturday, January 6th at St. Luke´s Church. My most sincere condolences to each one of you!
Kate Cogan
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Money and King Funeral Home and Cremation Services171 Maple Avenue W, Vienna, VA 22180
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