Carol Ryan, a 27 year resident of Wheeler’s Point, Gloucester, died suddenly on April 24, 2012.
Carol was born on April 4, 1933. She grew up in Watertown, MA and also lived in Lynnfield and Reading. She spent many summers in Campton, NH. She graduated from Regis College in Weston and earned her Master’s degree at Northeastern University.
Carol, a nationally certified school psychologist, had a long career in education, consulting and social work, at the Eastern Middlesex Opportunity Council, and the Methuen and Stoneham public school systems. She co-authored the book, How to Get the Best Public School Education for Your Child (Walker and Co., New York, 1991) to critical acclaim nationally. Carol had a lifelong commitment to helping children and providing them with an adult who was caring and trustworthy.
She served on the boards of Ryan Associates, Inc., and Action, Inc., both in Gloucester. She also participated with the Gloucester Public Schools Wrap-Around Team.
As everyone who knew her could attest, Carol’s presence and warmth would light up a room. She was an avid reader, golfer, hometown sports fan, and world traveler. Her grandchildren would also remind us that she loved candy and holidays. During her time at Regis, she taught at Nazareth orphanage in Boston, and would bring the students on field trips to Gloucester’s Stage Fort Park. For some of these students it was their first trip to the beach or countryside. This sense of place stayed with her.
She loved meeting people and was welcoming and comforting to all. Carol came into and leaves this world in April, the same lovely month of her favorite blooms: forsythia, pussywillow, rhododendrons, and a flowering redbud tree, so purple and cheery, a gift from her son. Truly all seasons and moments touched her, so there could be no more fitting place for her to reside than Gloucester, MA, with its singular splendor.
She was predeceased (2005) by her beloved husband of 49 years, Richard L. Ryan, and parents Charles and Grace (Fielding) Sherman. She is survived by her daughter, Mary, son-in-law, Bruce Lebowitz, and granddaughters, Juliana and Sonia, of New York City; her son, Frank, and daughter-in-law, Margaret McDonald, of Gloucester; her son, Richard, and son-in-law, James Sharkey, of New York City; her daughter, Catherine, son-in-law, Clifford King, and grandsons, Charles and George, of Gloucester, brother Charles Sherman, of Venice, FL, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friend Paula Sline of Gloucester.
ARRANGEMENTS: A gathering to honor Carol’s memory is being organized and details will be provided in the coming days. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Action, Inc. 180 Main Street, Gloucester, MA 01930, www.actioninc.org, or to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements by the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington St. Gloucester.
Online condolences may be given at: www.greelyfuneralhome.com
