Obituary of Joan Mary Ryan

Joan Mary Ryan passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on March 29 in Tucson Arizona after a brief illness.
Joan was born on March 20, 1934 to  Francis  and Agnes Klecan in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Joan married Gordon Ryan in 1957 in Omaha Nebraska. They raised their children Sarah and Tom in Omaha and in New Orleans, and also lived in Oro Valley, and Portland.
Joan was remarkable in so many ways but her intellectual curiosity, grace, wit, and charm spring first to mind as well as her generosity. She graduated from college at a time when that was unusual for women to go to college.
Joan was a talented watercolorist and a particularly adept pastel drawing enthusiast as anyone whoever received one of her beautiful hand made cards can attest.
In addition to maintaining many interests especially drawing and tennis, Joan worked as a teacher, real estate agent, bookseller, and home maker. She enjoyed teaching duplicate bridge and taught bridge in both Tucson and Portland.
Joan was a great friend to many.Joan was an outstanding and gracious hostess who enjoyed a beautifully set table and stimulating conversation.
Joan was an enthusiastic volunteer and served on many boards throughout her life and was a volunteer reader for children and delivered meals to the elderly and sang in many church choirs.
She was an incredible and generous grandmother to her grandchildren Walker (Cristela) and Charlotte Larson.
Joan was preceded in death by her husband Gordon, her parents and two of her sisters , Dorothy Wiedmaier and Patty Jackson. She is survived by her children Tom and Sarah Ryan (Douglas), and her Grandchildren Walker ( Cristela) and Charlotte as well as her sister Maryanne Hoffelmeyer and many  nieces and nephews.
 

A memorial service in Joan’s honor will be held on Saturday April 29, at 10AM
Adair Funeral Home
Avalon Chapel
8090 N. Northern Ave
Tucson, AZ 85704

To Stream the serivce please click on the link below

https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/3873280278

In Lieu of flower please make donations to the Parkinson’s foundation, American Cancer Society, or Sister of Mount Saint Scholastica in Atchison, KS