Mary Kay TenEyck Ryan

Mary Kay Ryan, 84

Defreestville - Mary Kay Ryan, 84, of Pine Street, Defreestville, beloved wife of John E. Ryan returned to the Lord on November 20, 2006. Born in Albany the daughter of the late Edward J. and Loretta TenEyck, she left behind her a trail of love with and for her husband, their children, John T. of Staten Island, James, who predeceased her and Kathleen M. Harder of Troy, and their grandson, Cadet John A. Harder (USA) of Defreestville whom they lovingly raised. Also survived by a sister-in-law, Colleen Rooney of Troy; nieces and nephews, William and Susan Rooney, David and Kim Rooney, Paul and Kristin Rooney and Christopher and Molly Rooney and several wonderful grand nieces and nephews.

During the last eight months of her life Mary was sustained and blessed by the staffs of St. Peter's Hospice and Teresian House in Albany and by the great love and kindness of many friends, most particularly Kathleen Spain of Troy and Patricia Furdyna of Defreestville.

Mary was a graduate of Sacred Heart School and Emma Willard School in Troy, Wheelock College in Boston and the State University of New York at Albany.

Among her many activities as a young woman was the starting of the first kindergarten class at Sacred Heart School in Troy, being a founding member of Kenwood Academy's Day Care Center in Albany from which she worked tirelessly against unjust rental structures in poverty ridden areas of South Albany. For a number of years she had a keen interest in archeology and participated in local archeological excavations.

Mary was a founding member of St. Jude's Parish in Wynantskill and was a volunteer in the lunch program of that school. For a number of years she was a very active promoter of retreats at the Dominican Retreat House in Schenectady. She and Jack subsequently became members of Christ Sun of Justice Parish in Troy and received the Sun and Balance Medal from the Rensselaer Foundation in recognition of their dedicated and outstanding service to the University Parish, the Diocese of Albany, and the Church and the world at large.

Her kindness and hospitality to people from both near and far was well known and deeply appreciated. Among her remarkable personal qualities was a particular affinity to children.

Funeral service will be held Saturday at 11:00 AM at the Teresian House 200 Washington Avenue Extension Albany where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Relatives and friends may call at the Teresian House Saturday from 10-11 AM. Interment Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville on Monday at 11:30am.

Contributions may be made in memory of Mrs. Ryan to the Teresian House 200 Washington Avenue Extension Albany, NY 12203 or St. Peter's Hospice Inn 315 South Manning Boulevard Albany, NY 12205.

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