Joan G. Ryan

JOAN G. RYAN Tribute

Surrounded by her family to the end, Joan G. Ryan died in her home in Hauppauge in her 88th year. Joan was the only daughter of Edna and Edward Hoffenberg. Her brothers Charles, Donald, and William predeceased her; Edward and his wife Joyce survive her along with her children Jean (Terri), Kenneth, Peter (Debbie), and Laurette (John), and grandsons Michael and Kyle, who she adored. Joan had many nieces and nephews who she loved as well as a dear sister-in-law, Fran. Theresa Graci was a special niece who was very devoted to Joan and never forgot a birthday or holiday with a loving card as well as weekly telephone calls. Her Aunt Joan loved her very much.

Joan discovered her love of art as a young girl and won an art scholarship after high school that she gave up to marry the love of her life, Michael Ryan. Joan and Mike settled in Hauppauge and shared seven happy and fruitful years together and four children until his untimely death in 1963.

Joan was fiercely independent and remained rooted in Hauppauge in the home that she and Mike had purchased together, clearing seemingly insurmountable hurdles. She became a partner in her brother’s business, Eddie’s Delicatessen, along with her other younger brother, Billy. She was the head cook, and upon retiring she said she will cook in the future only to sustain herself!

Joan loved gardening and taught herself knitting and embroidery. Being a perfectionist, her work was exemplary. Thankfully, we have the beautiful, knitted sweaters, hats, scarfs, and blankets to cherish.

Joan was an avid basketball fan and was a member of the Cathedral High School team in Manhattan. She shared her skills and enthusiasm with her children by installing a basketball hoop in their backyard and teaching them the techniques of foul shots and lay-ups. Joan was a devoted Knicks fan who followed the game to the end.

A quick study and fast learner, Joan was an accomplished poker player whose dead pan gaze belied the hand she held; she would throw down a royal flush while you were still pondering how many cards to throw out. A smile and laugh would follow.

Sharp, witty, and formidable, Joan did not suffer phonies or opportunists, and often her instincts proved right. Her honesty, loyalty, tenacity, and resilience defined her. A true friend of Joan’s was a friend for life, and she had many for over 50 years.

After suffering a stroke in December 2013, our Mom was able to remain in her home with the consistent support of her children always by her side, and two loyal caregivers, Linda and MarieAnne. In her children, Joan instilled core values of love, honesty, kindness, generosity, and loyalty; then she set us on our courses.

We’re eternally grateful for her steady hand and unending love peppered with meaningful opinions and questions. She always listened even if she didn’t agree.

As adults, we truly understand what a remarkable woman she was: at 27 years old with three young children and another on the way, she sacrificed her dreams to help make ours come true. Our Mom was a young mother and a lot of fun, always ready with a quip or joke and a hearty laugh.

Mom, you were our North Star, the home base we all ran to. Always, we will miss you and love you. We hope the next leg of your journey is more joyful and kinder, surrounded by all that you treasure.

With All Our Love, your children,

Jean & Terri, Kenneth, Peter & Debbie, Laurette & John