Mary O'Leary

Mary Louise “Lou” (Ryan) O’Leary was born on November 15, 1936 to the late William and Anne (Kiernan) Ryan in Brooklyn, NY. The second oldest of five children, and only girl, Mary loved her brothers fiercely.

“Lou” was always allocating time to spend with her family, many times in the form of hosting, or attending, a card game. She looked forward to planning many memories for her grandchildren to enjoy, including vacations in Seaside Heights and trips to visit family upstate. She was an avid movie watcher, enjoyed watching the Kentucky Derby amongst other races, venturing to Atlantic City, and attending mass on Sundays.

There were many things Mary enjoyed in life, but nothing more than connecting with her family and friends. Mary could often be found with the phone connected to her ear, and a family member, or her late best friend Ann, on the line.

Mary passed away peacefully on June 24, 2024. Preceded in death by her brothers Billy and Jack, and her children Richie, Michael, Lorraine, and Jackie, she is survived by her devoted daughter-in-law, Carrie (Smith) Dougherty, who oversaw her care through her final moments. She is also survived by her siblings: Frank (Grover) of Burlington, VT, Danny (Mary) of Chester, NY, and sister in law Roxanne of Lake Ariel, PA; five grandchildren: Johnny (Michael), Breanna (Frank), Donald “D.J.,” Thomas (Nicoletta), and Brian; and four great-grandchildren:

Anastasia, Alexandra, Thomas, and Jaclynn; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Private services will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.