Whitney Pier
It is with heavy hearts that we, the family, of Mary (Nowak) Ryan announce her peaceful passing at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney on July 20, 2024, after a life well-lived for over 92 years.
Born in Sydney, Mary was the daughter of the late Antoni and Julia (Miecznik) Nowak. Mom grew up in Whitney Pier and in her younger years worked for Dr Cyril Gaum; she continued employment with Sears Clearance Centre for several years after she had her family. She was the beloved wife of the late Ray Ryan, who she married in 1953. They remained in the Pier to raise their family together until his death in 2002.
Mom was the centre and beaming light of life at our family home on Oakville Drive. Her family was the source of joy, pride and fulfillment throughout her life. Nothing brought her more pleasure than having the entire clan to the house. We were always met with wonderful aromas coming from her kitchen: pierogi, cabbage rolls, and her mouth-watering gravies. And of course, we will never forget how her eyes lit up upon receiving her favourite treat – her love for chocolate was well known.
The two pillars of mom’s life were her deep and unwavering Catholic faith and her great pride in her Polish heritage. She treasured her trip to Poland with her three sisters and their Sunday afternoon gatherings to play Rumoli. Mom always had a positive outlook … unless she was losing at the Casino! She could often be found knitting mittens for her grandchildren and her beautiful, coveted baby sweater sets. Mom was an avid reader and puzzler. She enjoyed her word puzzles and loved watching her game shows.
Mom was adored and is survived by daughters, Donna (Ted) Gallivan, Judy, Carol (Paul) Kozera; sons, Danny (Yvonne) and Darryl (Jackie); daughter-in-law, Beth. ‘Babcia’ was a precious grandmother and will be dearly missed by grandchildren, Krysta (Ryan), Lindsey, Cara, Caitlyn, Shannon (David), Kyle (Ashley), Keigan, Marysia, Raymond David (Stacey), and Dylan; along with great grandchildren, Liam, Alex, Neico, Gabriella, Theo, Emma and Hayden. Also surviving is her sister, Jancia (Bernie) LaRusic; sister-in-law, Gertie Long and many nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents, Mary was predeceased by her beloved husband, Ray; son, Raymond; sisters, Nellie Tynski and Blanche Markotich; in-laws, John Markotich, John Tynski, Kay (Pat) Horgan, Betty (Greg) MacDonald, Margo (Bob) Russell, Rhoda (Ted) Snow, Joe (Marguerite) Ryan, Carol (Jack) Scott, Jim Long and nephews, Lawrence MacDonald, John Jr. Tynski, Stephen Scott, and Colin Horgan.
There will be no visitation for the late Mary Ryan. Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Monday, July 29, 2024, at 10 a.m. in St. Mary’s Polish Church, Whitney Pier with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating followed by a reception at the Pier Community Funeral Home. Interment will be in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks.
Donations in Mom’s memory may be made to St Mary’s Polish Church, Holy Redeemer Church Building Fund or to a charity of your choice.
‘The world has lost the most beautiful soul we have ever known. Our family is grateful for having been touched by such a loving and gracious Mother.’
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
We are sorry for the loss of your dear Mother
Thinking of you .
From: Pat and Mary Larade
Judy sad to hear the news of your mom passing. My condolences to you and tamily
From: Vince Kennedy
On behalf of Anne Tataryn and family please accept our deepest condolences for your loss.
May God bless you and your family.
From: Michael J Tataryn
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your Mom. This is a difficult loss for a family.
From: Wanda (Dicks) Fedora
My sincere condolences to Mary’s family. Mary and her sisters were a big part of my family and we spent many hours together at special occasions. Keep her memories in your heart.
So very saddened to hear of Mary’s passing…deepest condolences to the Ryan family at this hard time…
My sincere condolences to all of my Ryan cousins and their families. Rest in peace Ciocia Mary, my mother and Ciocia Nellie are waiting for her in heaven with cabbage rolls, pirogies, and a cup of tea.
Sending our deepest sympathies to the family , may you all be comforted at this difficult time!
So sorry for your families loss! She sounds like she had a great life and beautiful family! God bless you all!
It is hard to know what to say at a time like this. Our sincere condolences to the Ryan family. Your Mom had a long and happy life and may she rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Nancy and Jack MacKay
Condolences to all the families,May she rest in peace.
Donna and family, so sorry for your loss of this lovely lady.
Peace to all.
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you.
Many happy memories of Mary from our family gatherings. A kind and lovely lady!
Our thoughts and prayers to Mary Ryan’s family and
love ones.
Aunt Mary was a wonderful woman and kindness and love were always displayed to all
Rest in peace….
My thoughts are with you all.
RIP Mary; sincere condolences to Dan, Judy, Carol, Darryl and Donna.
My heartfelt condolences to the family.
It was alway a treat to visit with Mom and Dad. With Ray’s unmistakable laugh and Mary’s kindness. She will be missed.
Dear Donna. Very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. So many fond memories of hanging out on Oakville Drive. Your parents were certainly very kind to all us kids. Please pass on to everyone my condolences.
My sincere sympathy Judy and family on your Mother’s passing
Dear Judy and family:
So very sorry for your tremendous loss. I know your mom was your rock. She was an amazing person. I have fond memories of our conversations about our strong, kind, humble mom’s.
Take care dear friend!
Mary, David and girls
Ryan family: So very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I have many fond memories of her over the years. Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Judy and the Ryan Family: Our condolences on the passing of your mother, grandmother and sister.
To the Ryan family my sincere condolences on the passing of your Mom.
I think back to the old neighbourhood with all the kids around and remembering your Mom what a pleasant lady she was.
Our Mothers certainly were the heart of our homes. How lucky to have had her for this many years.
May she rest in peace.
My most sincere condolences to Judy, Cara, and all of the Ryan family on the loss of your precious Mom…what a lovely lady she was. Thinking of you all at this difficult time
Our sincere condolences to all of you. We are certain that she will be sadly missed by all who knew her. May she rest in peace.
I’m very sorry for the loss of your mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you all
God bless
Sending our deepest sympathy💔 at this time.
💐💐💐💐💐
Doddy & Bobby Keel
My sincere condolences to the family. Aunt Mary was such a sweet lady. I remember her laughter and kindness and how happy she was to have visitors to her home. Rest in peace.
We are very sorry for your loss.
Bert and Maurina Lewis