Evelyn Ryan

Evelyn Ryan, age 96, passed peacefully in her sleep on August 28, 2017, at her residence at Arden Courts of Wilmington, Delaware.

Evelyn was born in 1921 to Harry and Lillian Bair. She graduated from P.S. DuPont High School, Wilmington, Delaware. In 1942, she married Albert Ryan, Jr., before he was deployed to serve in Alaska. After Albert’s service, they bought a motel, Lake Ida Cabins, near Winterhaven, Florida, and managed it for several years.

By 1952, they returned to Delaware and purchased a home in a development surrounded by cattle pastures. In 1952, Albert Ryan, III, nicknamed Terry, was born, and in 1955, Barbara Ryan was born.

After several years, Albert started work for Allied Chemical Corp. Evelyn raised the kids and went to the University of Delaware, where she received her bachelor’s degree and a teaching credential. She taught second grade for several years at Green Street Elementary School before she moved to Maple Lane Elementary School. Evelyn loved learning and continued her studies to obtain her Masters plus 45 credits, the highest credential/degree you can obtain short of a PhD. During her summers, she loved to travel the world. She often took her granddaughter with her to exotic places.

In her spare time, Evelyn kept busy. She played trumpet in the orchestra, The Notables, once performing at the Hotel DuPont Ballroom for visiting First Lady Barbara Bush. Also, she performed at events, festivals, and clubs. Evelyn enjoyed playing piano, organ, trumpet, violin, and flute. Her hobbies included knitting, sewing, making jewelry, painting, and gardening. At home, one of her dogs was never far away. She loved her dogs, especially the Yorkshire terriers she had for many years.

She is predeceased by her husband, Albert Ryan, Jr.; her daughter and son in law, Barbara (Daniel) Wolfensberger; and her daughter in law Tatiana Kaneholani.

She is survived by her son Albert Ryan, III, of San Francisco, CA; her granddaughter Christina (Daniel) Mathers of Thornhurst, PA, and great grandchildren Aiden and Gabrielle Mathers.