Colleen M. Ryan

Colleen Ryan of Haddonfield, NJ passed away on July 5, 2013. She was 54 years old. Colleen was the second of five children of John and Mary Ryan of Manasquan, NJ. Colleen grew up in Suffern, NY and she attended Albertus Magnus High School. Colleen was a graduate of Immaculata University in Immaculata, PA. She had a talent for interior design and for years worked in that field, assisting in the design of many well-known restaurants and office spaces throughout the Philadelphia area and surrounding regions. Colleen was bright and possessed a sharp wit. She was quick to laugh and enjoyed the company of her friends and family. Colleen was an animal lover, and her pets were never just pets – they were an integral part of her family, traveling with her from Haddonfield to Long Beach Island each summer where the family has a summer home. Colleen loved to sit on the deck and share stories and laugh with visitors. She was also a food enthusiast and loved to cook. Over the past 15 months, Colleen bravely battled cancer. After her diagnosis, she continued to laugh with family and friends, and displayed courage and grace in the face of her situation. During Colleen’s brave battle with cancer, she was greatly assisted by her life-long friends Maureen Fosdick, Leslie Connell and Barbara Vaitkus who provided her with comfort and support during her struggle. The family is forever grateful for the kindness that they showed Colleen. Colleen will be remembered as a loving daughter, sister, aunt and friend. Colleen was predeceased by her older brother John Ryan. She is survived by her parents, John and Mary Ryan; her siblings, Patrick Ryan and his wife Valerie of Purchase, NY, Teague Ryan and his wife Patricia of Campbell Hall, NY, and Aileen Ryan Burden and her husband James of Lumberton, NJ; and her sister-in-law, Patricia Ryan of West Windsor, NJ. Colleen was Aunt to and is survived by her nieces, Laura, Kristen, Jessica, Fiona, and Laruen Ryan; nephews, Colin, Connor, and Aidan Ryan; and nieces Ceara and Alanna Burden with whom she lived for six months after her diagnosis. She is also survived by her special cousins, Jean Marie Abujawdeh and Tara Herrera as well as other cousins, family and friends who will miss her. The family would also like to thank the compassionate nurses and doctors from Vitas Innovative Hospice Care who provided care to Colleen at the end of her life. Colleen will never be forgotten and will be missed by all who had the great fortune to know her. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 am, Tuesday at Sacred Heart R.C. Church, 260 High St., Mt. Holly, NJ. Interment will be private. Friends and relatives may visit with the family Monday evening from 7 to 9 pm at the Perinchief Chapels, 438 High St., Mt. Holly, NJ. Donations may be made in Colleen’s memory to The Animal Orphanage, PO Box 1363, Voorhees, NJ 08043.

Colleen M. Ryan

August 27, 1958 - July 5, 2013