Bridget Ryan

Bridget M . Ryan , age 76, of Stoneham, formerly of Wakefield and Brookline, died Monday, May 18 at the Lahey Clinic Medical Center in Burlington.

Born in Annaghmacooleen, Cloone, County Leitrim, Ireland on January 6, 1944, she was the beloved daughter of the late Bernard and MaryKate (O'Rourke) Ryan .

She was the loving sister of Kathleen Flaherty and her husband Paul of Reading and the late Patrick Ryan and his wife Mary of County Galway, Ireland. She was the cherished aunt of Erin Flaherty and her husband Hugh Beglin, Jr. of Andover and Michelle Flaherty and her husband Andrew Fleet of Melrose. She was the great aunt of Thomas, Emily, and Finn. Bridget is also survived by her niece Gail and nephew Dermot of Ireland and many cousins and dear friends across the US, Ireland, and England.

Bridget was raised in Ireland before she moved to the United States at the age of 16 and settled in Boston. She enjoyed a long tenure working in the admissions office of Boston University. She was a devout Catholic and an active parishioner at St. Ignatius in Chestnut Hill for many years. Her Irish heritage remained a very important part of her life and she took part in many events as a member of the Irish Social Club of West Roxbury. Bridget also loved spending time with her family and travelling.

Bridget had the unique ability to make friends and fun in any situation and loved to engage others in conversation. Her bright personality and adventurous spirit has left her family with many happy memories, especially those shared with her sister and nieces.

A private interment took place at Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield. Arrangements in the care of the McDonald Funeral Home, Wakefield. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.