Obituary of Barbara L Ryan
Barbara Lynne Ryan
February 10, 1949 – December 4, 2023
Barbara was born in Staten Island NY to Thomas and Mary Farrell on February 10, 1949. She is survived by her Loving Husband of 55 years, Jim Ryan of Millington NJ. Barbara is survived by her daughter Anne Ryan and her husband Tim Ryan of Basking Ridge NJ. Her son Jim Ryan Jr and his wife Dana Ryan of Basking Ridge NJ, Grandchildren, Tim, Dylan, Jaimee, and Carter. She is also survived by her Loving Sister MaryAnne Farrell.
Barbara met Jim, her Best Friend, High School Sweetheart, and love of her life while she was working at their hometown library in Great Kills. After graduating from Countess Moore H.S., she attended SUNY Brockport in Rochester, N.Y. Barbara & Jim were married in 1968 and started a family. She was the heart and soul of the family and dedicated her whole life to her husband, children, grandchildren, and other loved ones. She never missed any of her kids or grandkids soccer, baseball, or basketball games, nor any of their challenging Tae Kwon Do belt tests. She attended all the school plays and events with joy and enthusiasm.
She would bring “Sunshine” wherever she went with her glowing smile, radiant blue Irish Eyes, and her kind and caring heart. She was a self-taught home chef and baker making Cheesecakes, Irish Soda Bread, holiday cookies and Italian inspired meals that everyone loved. They always asked for the recipes before leaving. She loved to host family celebrations and holidays, and these parties reflected her love, care, and meticulous attention to detail for all the decorations and food. Barbara was also a voracious reader who seemed to retain everything she read and cleverly used the knowledge in her everyday life. She even taught herself how to sew and would make beautiful clothes and wonderful Halloween costumes for her children and grandchildren.
Over the last 5 years, Barbara courageously battled Alzheimer’s disease – with the love of her life at her side providing her with dedicated around-the-clock care. Barbara passed away peacefully at home on Monday, December 4, 2023.
She lived a full life with love, and her greatest accomplishment was her family. She was loved by so many – and will be missed by all.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Alzheimer’s Association in her name. https://www.alz.org/
There will be a Private Family Mass at St. James Church, Basking Ridge N.J.
All funeral arrangements have been made private for the family.