Mary Agnes Ryan, 91, of Vero Beach and Yardley, Penn., passed away on March 3, 2016.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 14 years, John Ryan, and a long lineage of loving family including her children, Linda A. Lelii (Dunphy) and spouse Ralph Lelii of Elkins Park, Penn.; John J. Dunphy and spouse Maureen Dunphy of Asbury, N.J.; Mary Francis Sholtis (Dunphy) and spouse Charles A. Sholtis of El Paso, Texas; and son-in-law Chaim Shimonov of Bedminster, Penn. (spouse of Patricia Shimonov (Dunphy), deceased).
She was the cherished grandmother to nine grandchildren: Sarah Lelii of Kingston, N.Y.; Rachel Moore (Lelii) and spouse Clint Moore of Elkins Park, Penn.; Ryan Dunphy and spouse Lauri Dunphy of Bethlehem, Penn.; Patrick Dunphy of Duluth, Ga.; Jennifer Perez (Sholtis) and spouse Carlos Perez of El Paso, Texas; Casey Sholtis of El Paso, Texas; Charles John Sholtis of Newport Beach, Calif.; Perry Shimon of West Marin, Calif.; and Aidan Shimonov of Bedminster, Penn.
She also leaves behind a legacy of seven great-grandchildren: Rollie and Emma Moore of Elkins Park, Penn.; Asher, Everett and Nora Perez of El Paso, Texas; Agnes Shimon of West Marin, Calif.; and Cole Dunphy of Bethlehem, Penn., born March 7, 2016.
She is also survived by an extended family of greatly loved nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her first husband John T. Dunphy of Yardley, Penn., with whom she will be laid to rest; and by daughter Patricia Shimonov (Dunphy) of New York City, N.Y., who passed away March 1, 2001.
Ryan was the last of a generation, predeceased by 11 brothers and sisters. She was born Jan. 29, 1925, in Chelsea, New York City, to parents Anna and James Young. She was married for 53 years to her treasured first husband, Lt. Col. John T. Dunphy, who passed in February of 1997.
She lived a long and fulfilling life, spending her early days in secretarial work, eventually working in the legal department at Johnson & Johnson. She raised four wonderful children in Piscataway, N.J., before moving permanently to Yardley, Penn.
Ryan will be remembered for her beautiful gardens and a love of flowers. She enjoyed picnicking in the park with her family, swimming in the pool and being near the ocean. She was also an excellent seamstress, having sewn many of her daughter’s dresses when they were young. Later in life, Ryan continued tending to her flowers, and volunteered for many years at the local hospital. She was also a novice painter, with the encouragement of her husband John Ryan.
Funeral services and a Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Mrs. Ryan will be laid to rest at Our Lady of Grace Cemetery in Langhorne, Penn.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the VNA Hospice, The Fresh Air Fund, American Cancer Society or to the charitable cause of your choice.
