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Joan M. Ryan December 10, 1927 - March 10, 2017

Joan M. Ryan, 89, of Upper Gwynedd, PA, previously of Southampton, Long Island, passed away Friday, March 10, 2017 in the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township.  She was the wife of Elliott J. Ryan, Major USAF (retired).  They celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary last October. Joan, a daughter of the late Richard W. and Florence R. (McGinniss) Kearney, was born in Brooklyn, NY. She was a graduate of Bishop McDonald High School in Brooklyn, NY, Class of 1946. Joan traveled the world with her husband on his military and civilian assignments and was active with the Officers’ Wives Club.  She also volunteered with the Grey Ladies, helping US troops in military hospitals.  Following WWII, she was employed as a secretary in the Empire State Building. Joan was blessed with many special gifts. She was an accomplished painter and had a strong affinity for singing. She was a great cook who enjoyed entertaining and caring for others. Joan will be remembered as being a very loving and selfless person.

Survivors: Husband; son, Richard E. husband of Karen J. Ryan of Coopersburg; daughter, Kathleen M. Ryan and her life partner Jeanette Plunkett of Las Vegas, NV; grandsons, Kevin J. Ryan and his fiancé Cassandra Tripaldi of Walnutport and Brett E. Ryan of Philadelphia.  She was predeceased by her sister Ruth F. Wilson.

Services: A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday in the St. Joseph Church-Limeport, 5050 St. Joseph Road, Coopersburg.  A viewing will be held from 9:00 – 10:00 A.M. in the church.  Interment will be at the convenience of the family in the Resurrection Cemetery, Cape May Court House, NJ.

Contributions: Joan loved all animals, especially cats. In her memory, contributions may be made to the Lehigh County Humane Society, 640 Dixon St. Allentown, PA 18103.

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