Mary E. Ryan

WORCESTER-Mary E. (Donoghue) Ryan, 98, of Worcester passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 30 at Dodge Park Rest Home. She was born in Kilgarvan, County Kerry, Ireland on May 1, 1927, the daughter of the late Patrick and Helen (Lynch) Donoghue.

Her husband of 65 years, Maurice P. “Moe” Ryan passed away in 2016. Mary is survived by her daughters, Eileen Benoit of Worcester and Brenda Brown and her husband, Sean of Fitchburg; four grandchildren, LTC Keith Benoit, Kristi Bruwer (Peter), Melanie Benoit and Craig Baskis (Meghan); three great grandchildren, Kailynn Bruwer, Bailey and Owen Baskis; two sisters-in-law, Veronica Ryan of New Zealand and Myrna Ryan of Limerick, Ireland; a brother-in-law, James of Australia; many nieces and nephews and cousins around the world. Her son-in-law, Daniel Benoit, her infant daughter, Ita; her sister, Margaret, four brothers, Michael, Patrick, John and Daniel predeceased her.

Mary was educated in Ireland before moving to England to seek employment. She then immigrated to America, setting sail from Cobh, County Cork, Ireland to New York aboard the SS Washington. She settled in Worcester with her aunt, Margaret, and the Brosnihan family. During that time, she worked as a nanny for a family on Beechmont St. in Worcester. She soon met the handsome Maurice Ryan, and they married on September 16, 1950.

She was a longtime member of St. George’s Church and a devout catholic. She enjoyed her daily crossword puzzle and jumble. A good game of cards, trips to the casino and watching golf were some of her interests. Along with “Moe” they enjoyed 27 winters at Paradise Bay in Bradenton, FL.

She will be greatly missed by all who knew her and forever in our hearts.The family would like to thank the caring and loving staff at Dodge Park Rest Home and the staff at the Notre Dame Hospice Program for the excellent care she received for the past 4 ½ years.

A Visiting Hour will be held Monday, November 10 from 10am to 11am in St. George’s Church, 40 Brattle St. with a Funeral Mass to follow at 11am in the Church. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to St. John’s Food Pantry, 40 Temple St., Worcester, 01604