Mary Jane Ryan

Mary Jane (MacDonald) Ryan, 63, died peacefully in Halifax on the morning of May 25th, 2015 with her family by her side. Born in Halifax, Mary was the daughter of the late Senator Finlay and Ann (MacKenzie) MacDonald.

She was educated at St Francis School, the Convent of the Sacred Heart and Queen Elizabeth High School in Halifax and attended Canadian Junior College in Switzerland. Mary shared fond memories of growing up in Halifax with her mother, father and two brothers, whom she loved dearly. As a young girl she loved horseback riding at the Bengal Lancers and was an avid tennis player. Mary lived in Ottawa for a brief time before returning to Halifax where she actively pursued a career supporting the performing arts. She worked at the Dalhousie University Arts Centre then as the Executive Director of the Performing Arts Sponsors Association of Nova Scotia before finding her true calling as mother and friend to her two children Emmett and Katherine. Mary’s event coordinating skills carried over into her personal life and she was always planning the next dinner, social event, or trip with family and friends. An animal lover, Mary cherished her golden retrievers and daily walks in Point Pleasant Park. She rarely missed an opportunity to watch (and cheer for) her children as they performed on sports fields, courts and hockey rinks across the Maritimes. Mary always looked forward to time spent with her beloved Kevin, whether on the tennis court, in their garden or playing cards with friends. Mary had an outgoing and accepting nature. She had an innate gift for making and keeping friends in whom she always took great interest and she will be sorely missed by so many.

Mary is survived by her husband of 28 years, Kevin Ryan; children, Emmett (Brittany) and Katherine (Craig) Ryan; brother Ian (Sandra) MacDonald and nieces Sonja and Dana MacDonald; special cousin and friend Mary Pat (Donald) Grant; brother-in-law Eamon (Lynda) Ryan, nephew Michael and nieces Christina and Meredith; she is also survived by several aunts and many cousins. Mary is predeceased by her loving brother, Finlay MacDonald.

The family would like to thank Mary’s many friends who supported her throughout, her family doctor, Dr. Cathy Connell, and the staff at the QEII Health Sciences Emergency Department.

Visitations will be held Monday from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at Cruikshank’s Funeral Home, Windsor Street, Halifax. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday 11am at Blessed Mother Theresa of Calcutta Parish, Normandy Drive, Halifax. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Adsum House or Brigadoon Village.