Mary Frances Ryan

Mary Frances Ryan was born October 22nd, 1926 in Portland, Oregon to Sarah Henry Ryan of County Mayo, Ireland and Frank Ryan of County Leitrim, Ireland. Mary was the only child of Frank and Sarah and grew up in Southwest Portland, attending St. Mary’s Academy, 1st through 12th grade, graduating in 1944. Next, it was on to Marylhurst College. Mary taught high school English in Vale, Oregon. After two years, deciding teaching was not for her, Mary then enrolled in the University of Washington, earning her master’s degree in Library Science. She then ventured off to the big city of San Francisco, working for the library system, and eventually moving back to Portland in 1957, after the death of her father. Mary then lived with her mother in the family home in Southeast Portland.

Mary worked for the Clackamas County library system for several years, eventually coming to work for the Catholic archdiocese of Portland. She served the archdiocese for 18 years, working in many areas; the Department of Education, the Tribunal, and with Bishop Waldschmidt until his death in 1994. She also served Archbishop Levada, Monsignor Huneger, Monsignor Moys, Mary Jo Tully, and others. Mary also did a weekly radio show on KBVM relating various vignettes of Oregon Catholic history. She served on many boards of Catholic organizations. After retirement in 1996 she volunteered inventorying the letters and documents of Archbishop Blanchet. In addition to this, she was a part of several clubs, including All Ireland Social club, Belleek society, Oregon Historical Society, and so many others.

Mary always had a love for learning, taking classes at Portland State. Courses in Russian and Irish history were her favorites. She traveled to Ireland and many European areas with her friend, Carol O’Brian. She loved to read and considered it a luxury.

Mary could carry on a conversation with anyone, no matter their age or state in life. She had a special connection and love for children, always having a story to share with them about her cat, Katy Buttons.

Mary also was an accomplished musician, playing the piano, violin and the organ at St. Stephens Catholic Church for Mass and weddings. She was also known to liven up a party with Irish songs and a piano rendition of the “Irish Washer Woman”.

Mary was also interested in Jazz, and started taking lessons after being accepted by a renown Portland Musician. It was fun to tease her that one day she would be playing at a piano bar in downtown Portland.

Mary received many awards. One that she framed and was most proud of was the Bishop Leipzig award, which she received in 1997, for distinctive achievement on the study, promotion and living of Catholic History in Oregon.

Mary passed away peacefully on July 2nd, 2024. My family and I feel truly blessed to have had such a kind and gentle soul in our lives.

Thank you to all her wonderful caregivers, including Providence Hospice and especially Ileana and her staff at Victorian Quality Elder Care, for their love and exceptional care.

A Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be at 10:30 a.m. and Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 10th, 2024, at St. Agatha Catholic Church, 7983 SE 15th Ave, Portland, OR 97202. A Graveside Service will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, July 11th, 2024, at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 333 SW Skyline Blvd, Portland, OR 97221.
Obituary by Joan Smith.