Mary Elizabeth Blodgett Blodgett Ryan

Mary Elizabeth Blodgett Ryan passed away on October 15, 2011 following a brief illness with pancreatic cancer. Mrs. Ryan is survived by her daughter, Mary L. Ryan Bell; her sons, Michael A. (“Mickey”) Ryan, James D. (“Dan”) Ryan, Patrick E. Ryan and grandchildren: J.C. Ryan, Zack Ryan, Jordan Ryan, Megan Elizabeth Schreck and Andrew Ryan. Mrs. Ryan has four great-grandchildren: Charis Joy Ryan, Titus James Ryan, James Porter Ryan and namesake Mary Mae Ryan. She is also survived by her brother, Vern J. Blodgett who still lives in their childhood home in Kerrville, TX.

Mrs. Ryan was born in 1922 in Kewanee, IL to Vern and Mollie Blodgett. She is preceded in death by her husband, James E. Ryan, M.D. Mrs. Ryan attended Texas Women’s’ University completing a bachelor of science degree in nutrition. In 1944, she accepted a job at Humble Oil Refinery in Baytown, TX during the war effort where she worked alongside her college roommate and best friend, Sookie Bonds. She entered the Army in 1946 where she worked as a registered dietician to aid wounded veterans returning from World War II and attained the rank of 1st Lieutenant. She was stationed in Augusta, GA where she met and fell in love with her husband of 26 years, James E. Ryan, M.D. Dr. and Mrs. Ryan first opened a medical practice in Shepherdsville, Kentucky; and in 1950, they relocated to Weimar, TX and eventually to Houston, TX where Dr. Ryan had a medical practice for thirty years in the Oak Forest subdivision. Mrs. Ryan’s highest calling was as a wife and mother to her four children.

Mrs. Ryan loved playing bridge with her friends, social gatherings, visiting with her family and watching birds from her window at the Hampton.

The Ryan family would like to thank the Hampton Pinegate for the many years of happiness she experienced while a resident, and the Parkway Place nursing home for their excellent care. Special thanks to Houston Hospice for the loving care she received in her final month. In lieu of flowers, Mrs. Ryan expressed that she would rather have money donated to a worthy cause.

Visitation will be held at Pat H. Foley Funeral Directors from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Monday, October 17, 2011. A graveside service will be for family members only.