Mary Ryan

Mary Elizabeth Ryan earned her eternal reward on April 8, 2017. She was a native of Providence, RI and lived most of her life in Virginia Beach. She was the daughter of the late Dr. Charles Casey and Mary Elizabeth O’Neil Casey. She was preceded in death by her brother, Paul Casey, as well as, the love of her life and husband of 35 years, Cdr. James A. Ryan.

She was a graduate of Saint Xavier Academy and Salve Regina College.

Mrs. Ryan, fondly known by many as “The Queen”, was a dedicated teacher who truly cared about each and every one of her students. During her 36 years at St. Pius X School, she not only taught the components of sentence analysis and the art of diagramming, she also instilled in her students the importance of treating each other with respect and demonstrating “random acts of kindness” to those you love whenever you get a chance.

She was a devout Roman Catholic who treasured her relationship with God and cherished the opportunity to pass on this level of faith and devotion to her students and friends. Her generous spirit and quick wit made her a role model to others! She will be greatly missed by her family and many friends.

Left to carry on her legacy are her children: Jim Ryan and his wife, Regina; Charlie Ryan and his wife, Julie; Christine Mahl and her husband, Scott; and Dr. Marybeth Ryan and her boyfriend, Scott Parsons. Her grandchildren and “apples of her eye”: Jimmy Ryan, Bridget Ryan, Sara Jane Ryan, and Drew Mahl. She is also survived by her brother Dr. Charles Casey and his wife, Betty, her sister-in-law, Marie Casey, and many nephews.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Pius X Catholic Church, Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. by the Reverend Father Nixon Negparanon and the Reverend Father Joseph Metzger III. Burial will be in Woodlawn Memorial. A Christian Wake Service will be held in Woodlawn Funeral Home Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at 6:00 p.m., followed by a visitation with the family until 8:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Pius X Catholic School.