Mary Rita (Brawley) Ryan

Mary Rita Ryan (nee Brawley), recently of Wilmington, DE, died on Sunday, March 14, 2021, at the age of 88.  Mary, affectionately known as Rita, was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was born in Philadelphia to the late Mary Ellen Brawley (nee McAleer) and Joseph Brawley. She joins her late husband of 66 years, Edward J. Ryan, in eternal rest and peace, as well as her grandson, Edward H. Ryan. Rita is survived by her seven children: Eileen (David) Baker, Edward (Jen), Joseph (Coleen), Michael (Dawn), Stephen (Tara), Dennis (Kay), and Timothy (Linda).  She is also survived by her brother-in-law James Ryan and sister-in-law Helen Ryan, as well as 21 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.  

Rita was originally from the Grays Ferry section of Philadelphia and attended Hallahan Catholic Girls’ High School. She met her husband in 1949 when they both worked for Jefferies & Manz in Philadelphia and married in 1952. After raising her children, Rita worked for CoreStates, which later became Wells Fargo Bank.

She enjoyed life, had a big heart, and had much love for her family and friends. Rita loved the piano, music, Irish dancing, and vacations at the Jersey shore. She took pleasure in attending mass at the many different parishes she belonged to, including Good Shepherd in Southwest Philadelphia, St. Louis in Yeadon, and Holy Cross in Springfield. But, her biggest enjoyment in life was spending time with her children and grandchildren, with whom she often vacationed, traveling to Disney and Ireland on several occasions. Family gatherings were often held at their home, especially Sunday dinners and holiday celebrations.

Rita spent her final years under the terrific care of staff at Foulk Manor North, as well as Bayada Hospice. She will forever be missed but remembered for her funny, loving, energetic, kind, and caring personality.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Visitation on Friday night at Logan Funeral Home, 57 S. Eagle Road, Havertown, PA  19083 from 6:30 to 8:30 P.M., and Saturday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 AM at Holy Cross Church, 651 E. Springfield Road, Springfield, PA 19064 followed by her Funeral Mass at 10:30 A.M.  Interment SS Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield, PA.