Joanne M. Ryan

Joanne (Handl) Ryan passed away peacefully in Beach Haven West, NJ, surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, October 17, 2020 at the age of 70. Joanne battled with Scleroderma for 15 years with such grace, strength and without one complaint. She did not let this disease dim her brightness. She always had a smile on her face and lived her life happily and to the best of her ability.

Born on August 10, 1950, she was the third daughter to late Frank and Eleanor Handl. Her sisters, Frani Schweiss, late Patricia Lytle and late Dee Handl loved her dearly. She was also loved by many nieces and nephews. The family always loved spending summers together at Long Beach Island, NJ.

Joanne was a longtime resident of Newtown, PA as well as a resident of Beach Haven West, NJ. She was a 1968 graduate of the former Bishop Conwell High School in Levittown.

Joanne is survived by her husband, Jack Ryan. Jack and Joanne were high school sweethearts and married on January 9, 1971. They were each other's best friends. The two of them loved to travel to Ireland and loved going to the Dutchman's in Manahawkin, NJ.

She raised three loving daughters: Kristen Ryan-Meredith (Daren), Katie Shelmet (Andy) and Kolleen Ryan Wolos (Joseph). Joanne devoted her life to her daughters and treasured every moment with them. She was not just their mother, but their best friend. There was nothing more important to Joanne than the happiness of her daughters.

She especially loved her role as 'Mom-Mom' to Henry Shelmet. Henry was the light of her life and nothing made her happier than spending time with him. She loved him with every ounce of her being. They enjoyed playing everything together for hours especially "stinkin good".

Joanne was a kind, amazing women who lit up every room she walked into. She always made every person she met feel like the most important person in the world. She would hold your hand and gaze into your eyes asking you to tell her everything about your day with genuine warmth. Joanne would hug and squeeze you with so much strength and comfort. She loved the life she and Jack had made together with their three beautiful daughters.

Joanne was a loving Daughter, Sister, Wife, Sister-in-Law, Mother, Aunt, Mom-Mom, Godmother and Friend. Joanne was what made this world beautiful for all of us to live in. She was a strong, determined woman who will live on in the hearts and memories of so many people.

Family and friends are invited to attend Joanne's memorial service on Monday, October 26, 2020 between the hours of 10:00 and 11:00 am at Our Lady of Grace Church, 225 S. Bellevue Avenue, Penndel. The funeral mass will follow at 11:00 am.