Obituary of Mary Jane Ryan

Mary Jane Ryan of Brighton passed away peacefully, at home, with family by her side, on September 5, 2017. Born in Rochester, NY, May 23, 1927 to beloved parents, Kathryn Brownell and Horace Merrill. She was predeceased by her husband of 48 years, her childhood sweetheart, Michael (Frank) Ryan, Sr.; daughter, Cheryl Ryan; daughter-in-law, Mary Grace Ryan; great grandchild, Aibhlinn Ryan; brothers-in-law, Don Griffin, Jack (Lillian), Jim (Ann), Tom and Joe Ryan. Mary Jane is survived by her children, Mike (Kathy) Ryan, Tim (Mary) Ryan, Anne McCullough, Kevin (Pamela) Ryan, Patty (Jamie) McDonough, Terry (Trudy) Ryan, Jeanne Ryan and Dan Ryan; she was blessed with 21 grandchildren, Patrick (Sheelagh), Mike (Brigette Maurer), Megan and Jeff (Kelsey) Ryan, Mary Alice, Tim Jr., Erin Ryan, Matthew (Heather Alpaugh) McCullough, Kathryn (Tadge) O'Brien and Dave McCullough, Brendan, Shawna Lee and Dana Ryan, Ryan (Jackie Roberts) and Mike McDonough, Thomas and Josephine Ryan, John Michael (Alexandrya), Julia, Peter and Claire Ryan; six (and counting) great-grandchildren, Giana, Joey and Cillian McCullough and Mikey, Emilia and Shea Ryan; also survived by sisters-in-law, Mary Griffin, Charlotte Ryan and Carol Ryan and many nieces and nephews, as well as cherished members of the Brownell, Merrill and Peck families. Mary Jane was a woman of strong faith, a proud alum of Our Lady of Mercy High School ("the angel factory"), St. Mary's College, South Bend Indiana (Go ND!). Her greatest joy was time spent with her large extended family. She was an extraordinary example of sincerity, gratitude, unconditional love and good humor. The family would like to extend our gratitude to Dr. Sylvia Park (Alexander Medical Group) for her many years of dedicated and compassionate care to our mother. Friends may call at Jennings, Nulton & Mattle Funeral Home, 1704 Penfield Road, Penfield, Sunday 5-8PM. Mary Jane's Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, 10:30 AM at St. Thomas More Church, 2617 East Avenue, Rochester. Interment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to School of the Holy Childhood, 100 Groton Parkway, Rochester, NY 14623.