Obituary: Eleanor Ryan, 91, of Seymour

Eleanor C. Ryan, 91, of Seymour, beloved and devoted wife of 67 years to the love of her life William J. Ryan Sr., peacefully entered into eternal rest on Sunday morning, December 2, 2012, in the comfort of her home.

Mrs. Ryan was born in Dixon, IL on September 26, 1921, daughter of the late Benjamin and Bertha Sieling Koon. She moved to Connecticut at age thirteen, across the street from her future husband. Eleanor was one of the “Greatest Generation”. She was a loving mother and a little mighty mouse, small in stature with a giant’s spirit. She was truly the matriarch of the Ryan clan. Eleanor showed her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, by example, how to live life with stoic dignity and most importantly, love of family.

In addition to her husband Bill, she is survived by two sons, William J. Ryan Jr. (Ann) of Oxford, and Richard R. Ryan (Lisa) of Milford, four daughters, Eleanor A. Romano of Manchester, Patricia Gentile (Arthur) of Seymour, Rita Girolamo (Michael) of Naugatuck, and Debra Robinson (James) of Oxford, 19 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cherished long time caregivers, Grisel and Yolanda. She was predeceased by a son in law, Ralph Romano, a brother Alfred Koon, and sisters, Alice and Lulu.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Eleanor’s Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday December 6, 2012, at 10:00 am (PLEASE MEET DIRECTLY) at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 135 Mountain Road in Seymour. Entombment will follow in Mt. St. Peter’s Garden Mausoleum in Derby. There will be no visiting hours. The SPINELLI-RICCIUTI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia, has been privileged with the arrangements. To send an act of sympathy, please visit www.spinelliricciutifh.com.