Alys Ryan
1921-2016
Alys (Coyne) Ryan, February 2, 1921 – September 21, 2016
Alys Ryan was born February 2, 1921, in Camp Dix, New Jersey, the 4th of 5 children of Harry J. Coyne and Mary (Garty) Coyne. Alys spent her early years in Hawthorne, New Jersey. She graduated from William Paterson College, Wayne, NJ, with a teaching degree, and she enjoyed a long career as an elementary school teacher.
She married the love of her life, Daniel Ryan, on July 9, 1944, and she and Dan had 3 children: Daniel, Michael, and Sheilah. The family lived in Glen Rock, NJ, Dallas, TX, Tyler, TX, and eventually settled in Wyckoff, NJ, where Alys taught 2nd grade for many years at Hillside School, Allendale, NJ.
Alys and Dan enjoyed a long retirement at Still Waters resort on Lake Martin in Alabama. They also enjoyed taking cruises and visits from their children and grandchildren. Alys loved swimming and swam in Lake Martin almost every day.
Dan Ryan passed away in December 2006, and in 2011 Alys moved to the Oklahoma City area to be closer to family.
In addition to her husband, Alys was preceded in death by her parents, brother Harry Coyne, sisters Lucille Muhr, Patricia McCaig and Dorothy Steel. She is survived by sons Daniel Ryan (Dianne), Michael Ryan (Rosie) and daughter Sheilah Winters (Philip); 4 grandchildren: Tracie Rogalin Siddiqui (Akbar), Ryan Rogalin (Erin), Kymberly Ryan Perez (Vincent), and Sean Ryan (Denise); and 7 great-grandchildren: Janelle Ryan, Abraham, Nora and Malcolm Siddiqui, Arabella and Zooey Perez, and Nadia Rogalin; and loving nieces and nephews.
Alys was a beautiful, kind, generous and loving soul, touching the lives of everyone around her. She made the best of every situation, always with a positive attitude. Alys also had a strong faith and a close relationship with God.
A celebration of Alys’ life will be held on Monday, September 26, at 10:00 am at Matthews Funeral Home, 601 S. Kelly, Edmond, OK.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Alys’ name to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 620 Gilmer Ave., Tallassee, AL 36078.
Our love and condolences are with you. Alys was such a kind, good and lovely lady. — John Williams (Gordon’s son) and family.
Alice, you need to know that I tried for 3 years, to no avail to contact you. I left phone messages also…. All the cards that I sent you never came back, & often wondered how you were……We missed you & can see you right now, paddling through the sky, in your little paddle boat, with a great big smile on your face. I still have ALL of your home made cards that you sent me, only wished that we stayed connected more. Didn’t know where you were….On a couple of occasions I spoke to Sheilah & once with your son, hoping to stay in touch.
Stillwaters & St. Vincent De Paul members have asked me about you.
Where do Angels come from? All of God’s angels come to us disguised & you were certainly one for me. Friends are kisses blown to us by angels, & will never forget you my friend…….
My siblings all knew and and my brother and brother-in-law worked with your Dad when he was at Stihl American. We knew your Mom and Dad before then, but we had much more contact when work brought us together more frequently. Both your Mom and Dad were such terrific personalities. People you wanted to be around. Kind, strong with a great sense of humor.
My condolences and best wishes to the surviving family.
Kindest regards
Craig and Georgia Williams