Mary Theresa Ryan

It is with great sadness that the family of Mary Theresa Ryan (63) announce her passing on March 9th, 2024.

Born on August 23rd, 1960, Mary Theresa Murphy, but fondly known as “Polly”, was raised in Milford, CT with her parents and seven siblings. She was brought up a devout Catholic and carried that faith throughout her lifetime. She loved to garden, listening and dancing to music, and when she attended Foran High she fell in love with Baton twirling! Here she enjoyed the company of her brothers and sisters as well as cousins who were as dear to her as her own siblings. When Mary wasn’t busy being the life of the party she could be found sewing, ice skating, cooking and baking, or hunting for her sandwich that would mysteriously disappear when her brother Michael was around.

Mary was always known to be kind, funny, and made everyone she met feel special. When Mary spoke with you, there was no one else in the room. You had her full attention and love always. She always dreamed of being a teacher and took great pride in having taught catechism in her younger years. However, life had a different plan for her and led her to a career at the Southern Connecticut Gas Company. Here she met her first husband, Gil Reyes. When they married, she became a stepmother to his teenage daughter Marissa, and a few years later they welcomed the light of her world, her son, Alejandro.

At their home in Guilford, Mary’s place was the heart of the family. Traditional Sunday dinners were very important to Mary, in which she shared the wisdom of her Grandma Taylor’s secret to the best gravy. Visiting her meant long hugs, full bellies, and endless fun. Her home was filled with love, kindness, and a plethora of pancakes! She hosted sleepovers with the cousins, holiday parties, and took any chance she could to just be a kid with her wonderful nieces and nephews whom she adored like they were her own children.

Her smile alone could light up a room making it impossible for anyone nearby not to crack a grin along with her. So, it's no wonder that in the second half of her life, Mary met her soulmate, Mark Ryan, who saw her smiling at a wedding and decided then and there that he wanted to get to know her. They married in October of 2014 on Mark’s family farm surrounded by family and friends. For the next nearly ten years, she and Mark would travel across the country on his motorcycle, frequent many restaurants, and meet new friends wherever they went.

Anyone who knew Mary knows her positive attitude was infectious. Even when she was diagnosed with Ataxia in 2010, her determination to not let it take over kept her strong. She battled the Ataxia for almost 15 years, surprising the doctors at every turn with her strength and positivity. Towards the end of her life, despite the disease limiting her mobility and communication, she continued to swim, attend Physical Therapy, crack jokes, enjoy long bike rides with her husband and friends, and take on her most important role, Mamo! Mary loved spending time with all of her grandsons, eagerly awaiting their visits, and always welcoming the chaos they brought! She was so proud of her son, stepdaughter and grandchildren, proudly showing anyone who would look, at as many pictures of them as she could!

Mary brought so much joy to every gathering, and now, we find solace in knowing that she's finally at peace, embraced by her beloved departed ones. She is survived by her loving husband Mark Ryan, son Alejandro Reyes and wife Elizabeth, stepdaughter Marissa Holman and husband Glen, brothers Michael, Patrick and Thomas Murphy, sisters Margaret and Madeline Murphy, grandsons Gabriel and Julian Reyes, and Erik, Christopher, and Markus Holman, along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the National Ataxia Foundation in honor of Mary. https://www.ataxia.org/donate/

Calling Hours will be held on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at Munson-Lovetere, 2 School Street Woodbury, from 4:00pm- 7:00pm.

A Church Service will be held on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at St. John the Evangelist Church, 574 Main Street Watertown at 10:00am. Burial will follow the Church Service at Lakes Cemetery, 100 Lakes Road, Bethlehem.

Calling Hours will be held on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at Munson-Lovetere, 2 School Street Woodbury, from 4:00pm - 7:00pm.

A Church Service will be held on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at St. John the Evangelist Church,574 Main Street Watertown at10:00am. 

Burial will follow the Church Service at Lakes Cemetery, 100 Lakes Road, Bethlehem.

Munson Lovetere Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements. To leave an online condolence please visit www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com 

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