Sr. Maryellen Ryan September 13, 2026

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Sister Maryellen Ryan SUSC(Sister John Marie)

Entered into life: September 12, 1936Entered into eternal life: September 13,, 2026

Sister Maryellen Ryan SUSC died September 13, 2026, at Catholic Memorial Home, Fall River the day after she celebrated her ninetieth birthday with family and friends. Born in Astoria, New York on September 12, 1936, she was the daughter of the late John and Mary (Mulligan) Ryan, both natives of Ireland. In addition to her Holy Union Sisters, she is survived by her sister Margaret Admirand and her husband Peter Admirand, her brother Patrick Ryan and several cherished nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. She was predeceased by her brothers John and Michael Ryan.Sister Maryellen graduated from the Holy Union Preparatory School, Tiverton, RI. She entered the Holy Union Sisters in February 1954 and pronounced her perpetual vows August 22, 1962. She earned a B.S. Ed. from Catholic Teachers College and an M.S. in Religious Education from Fordham University. Sister Maryellen always availed herself of workshops that enriched her work in catechetics and parish ministry.As a young religious, Sister Maryellen taught in parish schools staffed by her religious community in Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Pennsylvania. In 1972 she began a long ministry in religious education in parishes in New York City and later in Taunton. During a year’s sabbatical she divided her time between personal renewal and living with Holy Union Sisters in Argentina to continue her study of Spanish.While serving as Director of Religious Education at St. Mary Parish in New York City, Sr. Maryellen was honored by the National Association of Parish Catechetical Directors with their Mustard Seed Award. The award committee cited her leadership and commitment to family and parental participation in its catechetical programs.Within her Holy Union community, she was a member of the Formation Team and served on the Leadership Team for the United States Province. She worked with the Holy Union Sisters’ Associates in New York for many years. She traveled twice to Cameroon to offer short courses and classes to Holy Union Sisters in their Formation Program. Sister Maryellen celebrated her 70th anniversary as a Holy Union Sister in 2023. You can download Sr. Maryellen’s biography here: RYAN Maryellen BIOGRAPHYThe Prayer Vigil and Mass of Christian Burial were held at Holy Name Church, Fall River MA. Burial followed at St. Patrick Cemetery, Fall River.Donations in Sister Eileen’s memory may be made to the Mission Advancement Office of the Holy Union Sisters, 205 Bedford St. Fall River MA 02720. As we bid farewell to Maryellen, may we be consoledby the many memories she has left us: her broad smile, her boundless enthusiasm, her love of walking, her passion for sharing her strong faith with children and their families. All these gifts are ours to remember and cherish!

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