Mary Lynn Ryan

Mary Lynn was born on October 25th, 1958, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Roy and Elizabeth Moody, and would live in Tennessee until 1996. Mary Lynn was in the marching band at the University of Tennessee and later transferred to the University of Memphis, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree. Mary Lynn would later earn her certification as a Medical Technologist at the School of Medical Technology at St. Francis Hospital in Memphis, TN. After working as a medical technologist for many years, she devoted herself to raising three wonderful children.

Mary Lynn is survived by her husband, William Ryan. They celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary last May. They are survived by three beloved children: William Ryan, Jr. and his wife Kathleen and sons Liam and Colin; Ian Connor Ryan and his wife Cara and sons Roy and Albert; and Caitrin Ryan McSherry and her husband Stephen and sons Nolan and Jack; her mother Elizabeth S. Moody; and her siblings Roy Moody Jr., Allison M. Brennan and Lisa M. Moore. There are many additional family members that will deeply miss Mary Lynn, as she remained a beacon of love to all of her extended family. She is preceded in death by her father Roy Moody; and her in-laws William and Mary Katherine Ryan.

Mary Lynn was always looking to help those in need. She was involved in many charities including Juvenile Diabetes, Madonna Circle, Arthritis Foundation and Catholic Charities of Dallas. Mary Lynn was a longtime supporter of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School, serving for over 5 years as the Governance Chair on the Advisory Council, as well as actively involved in many of the OLPH Gala committees. OLPH community was enriched by Mary Lynn’s generous heart.

Above all else, Mary Lynn treasured her family the most. She married her husband William in 1980, and they were best friends, travel companions, lovers of fine cuisine, football and devoted parents throughout it all. The only exception to the uninterrupted harmony, was when the Tennessee Volunteers played Notre Dame in football. Mary Lynn lived a life full of family, adventure and service. She loved to travel and experience many cultures around the world. She loved animals, including her horse and two dogs, that are happy and spoiled.

Mary Lynn was most proud of being a Mom and Nana to her kids and grandchildren. She had recently renovated a beach house in Hull, Massachusetts, which serves as a gathering place and summer retreat. She gave everything she had to her family and realized her dream of spending a summer at the beach house with her family in 2020.

She was a strong woman with a heart of gold, and will be missed terribly, loved always, and alive in the hearts of her family and friends.

The wake will be held at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home on Friday, April 23rd, 2021, from 4:30pm-6:30pm. The funeral will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church on Saturday, April 24th, 2021, at 10:00am.

If you would like to donate to Our Lady Perpetual Help Catholic School in lieu of flowers, please reach out to www.olphschooldallas.org.