Connie Ryan

She was born February 24, 1930 in Cambridge, MA the daughter of John and Marion (Buckley) Brennan.

Raised in Belmont, MA, Connie graduated from Wheelock College in 1951 with a Bachelor Degree in Education. While in college, she sang in chorus and was an avid figure skater and member of the Boston Ice Skating Club. Upon graduation, she taught Kindergarten in the Newton, MA school system. In September 1954, she married the love of her life, Eddie (Edward J.) Ryan and embarked on the traditional role of her era as a homemaker. She embraced raising five children and creating a loving, warm home environment that welcomed all.

Connie and Ed lived in several suburban Boston locations until 1965, when they made the big move north to Portland, ME for Ed’s career. Although they had opportunities to move back to MA, they grew to love Maine and the community of friends made via their church, North Deering neighborhood, and children’s school activities. In retirement, they enjoyed day trips traveling the state and exploring coastal and lake side towns and making use of their ‘Portland Dine Around’ card to socialize with friends.

A dedicated community volunteer over the years, Connie was active in the Summit Street Community Club, which funded annual scholarships at Deering High and Portland High. She was involved with St. Joseph Catholic Church as a religious education teacher, a member of the Women’s Sodality and the Hobby Lobby Crafters Club which created handmade items for the annual Church Fair. Besides fundraising for various Deering High Booster organizations during her children’s sports years, Connie was active in school PTAs and served on the first board overseeing renovations to the Portland Expo. Visitors of the Expo will see a plaque recognizing her service along with other advisory board members.

Connie was an accomplished gardener, taking great joy in nurturing her gardens and landscape. She also had a keen eye for interior design, carefully adjusting layouts and accents/colors to maximize aesthetics. People regularly sought her advice in these matters which was a source of great joy for her.

She is survived by three children Carol Ryan Ertz & husband David, Michael Ryan & wife Lynn, and Neil Ryan & wife Kim; son-in-law, John O’Kelly, her sister Joan Goodwin of Dedham, MA; grandchildren Bryan Ertz, Connor Ertz, Ryan O’Kelly, Kristin O’Kelly Simokaitis, Brett O’Kelly, Caileigh Ryan, Leah Ryan, Erin Ryan, Korey Ryan, Jennifer Ryan, and Sean Ryan; a great granddaughter, Maeve O’Kelly and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Connie was predeceased by her husband Edward Ryan in 2021, a son Kevin Ryan, a daughter Diane O’Kelly, and a brother John “Jack” Brennan.

Visitation will be held 4-7 pm Friday, March 17 at Jones, Rich, and Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford Street, Portland

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 am Saturday, March 18 at St. Pius X Church, 492 Ocean Avenue, Portland with burial to follow at the family plot at Evergreen Cemetery, 672 Stevens Avenue, Portland.

The family would like to thank the caring staff of Hospice of Southern Maine and Falmouth by the Sea where Connie passed. Prior, Connie resided for several years at Clark Terrace-Park Danforth and the family extends appreciation to the wonderful staff and residents who became Connie’s cherished community.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you follow Connie’s example and lend a helping hand to those in need, do a good deed for a friend or neighbor or simply spend time with an elder friend or family member. Should you choose to lend a helping hand, included is a link to the Parkinson’s Foundation, a non-profit research and support organization close to Connie’s heart.

Online condolences may be shared with her family at www.jonesrichandbarnes.com