Mary Florence Ryan was promoted to glory on September 24, 2020 at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto. She was the loving wife to Hubert Ryan for 66 years. Caring Mother to Lois (Tom), Nancy (William), *Bill (Lillian) and Dan. Doting grandmother to Ryan (Heidi), Della Brandon), Krista (Paul), Erin, Jordan (Joy), Caitlin, Tara and Allie. Great grandmother to Lexi, Kaylin, Maci, Bennett and Alyssa.
* Bill Ryan is an EMCC ordained minister.
Mary was born October 6, 1930 as Mary Florence Barrett followed later by sister Lillian. She was born and raised in Coley's Point, Newfoundland which for her was one of her happiest places on earth. Her youth was spent attending school, working on their small family farm, attending the Salvation Army and playing euphonium in the band. Her father was often away in Boston, Chicago, New York and Toronto working as a carpenter to support the family which meant Mary was busy helping her mother and sister with growing potatoes and tending to the chickens and their horse Jack. She always had a love for gardening and horses.
Having lived through the depression years and World War II, the family moved to Toronto for a better life in 1948. It was in Toronto that she met Hubert and they married in 1954. From the start, both were deeply involved in the ministry at Riverside Church where Hubert was later to become the pastor. The family came in the subsequent years. Mary was busy during those years raising 4 children. She was fortunate to live 2 doors away from her sister Lily and the two families enjoyed the closeness and the sharing of both sets of parents.
Mary loved the Lord. She had committed her life to Jesus Christ in her youth and chose to share the grace and love of God to all those she met with actions and encouraging words. She served the Lord at both Riverside Church and the Salvation Army Scarborough Corps in many rolls: nursery, Sunday School teacher, Brownie leader and Missionary Society member. However, she preferred to be behind the scenes helping rather than being the upfront spokesperson. Her light shone brightly for Jesus through acts of kindness. She welcomed many new people to Canada through her wonderful home cooking.
In all her life Mary loved her friendships some she has had since childhood. She enjoyed and appreciated her neighbours, her sisters-in-law, friends from both churches and many others who had crossed her path. She had friends from all over the world. She will be missed.
Her funeral is September 29, 2020, at Wellspring Worship Centre, 89 Centre Ave. North York, Ontario at 11 AM. Viewing at 10 AM. Graveside committal will be at 1:00 p.m. at Pine Hills Cemetery.
To register to attend the service please go to: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/funeral-for-mary-ryan-tickets-122823272715
The link for the live streaming of the service is: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtuP4E11dknfIcN8lzWFuUA?fbclid=IwAR3H9pwueXSW3cHrc3EbG94z_XnMG2ULf4_Llr0UDdhZxI05PZ0sm77N-EU
