Mary M. (Healey) Ryan, 92, of Marlborough, died Saturday, August 23, 2025.

She was the daughter of the late Patrick and Margaret (Rushe) Healey and wife of the late John J. Ryan.

Mary M. Ryan, a devoted mother, nurse, and community leader, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, service, and unwavering love. Born on October 27, 1932, Mary graduated from Mission High School in Boston in 1952. She married the love of her life, John J. Ryan, on September 5, 1953, at Mission Church in Boston.

In August 1954, Mary and John moved to Portland, Maine, where she formed lifelong friendships that she cherished deeply. In 1960, the family returned to Massachusetts, settling in Marlborough in 1963, where Mary would spend the rest of her life.

Mary began her career in healthcare as a nurse’s aide in 1964 and graduated from LPN Nursing School in 1969. She worked at Marlborough Hospital until 1980 and continued her work in various doctors’ offices until 1988. Her dedication to healing and helping others extended far beyond her professional life. Mary returned to work at Marlboro Hospital where she retired from in 2004.

Mary was a pillar of the Marlborough community. She was deeply involved in the Immaculate Conception Parish, where she ran the Christmas Bazaar, produced musical shows, operated a thrift shop fundraiser, and taught CCD. At Marlborough Hospital, she founded the social committee and organized holiday celebrations for staff and their families. Her generosity reached Boston, where she regularly collected and delivered men’s clothing and toiletries to the Pine Street Inn.

One of Mary’s proudest achievements was her role in popularizing the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians (LAOH) in Marlborough in 1979. For over thirty years, she served the organization with grace and determination, rising through its state and national ranks. A proud Irish woman, Mary embodied the LAOH motto: Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity. She lived through these values every day, offering unconditional love and steadfast friendship to all who knew her.

Mary is survived by her brother, John Healey, her children, Kathleen Ryan of Hooksett, NH, Karen Kelly and her partner David Hamilton of Hudson, Kevin Ryan of Marlborough, Maureen Cronin and her husband Art of Norfolk, Patrick Ryan and his wife Laurie of Northborough and her son-in-law Chuck Tenney. She was predeceased by her beloved children, Jackie Ryan and Bridget Ryan Tenney.

She leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Matthew Ryan and his wife Sandra, Nevin Cronin and his partner Victoria Ryder, Garrick Cronin and his wife Gina, Shailyn Ryan, Justin Bodington and Gregory Bodington, her great-grandchildren, Tatum, Emmy, Wesley and Chloe, and her four nephews, John, Timothy, Stephen and Brian Healey and their families.

Mary’s life was a testament to love, resilience, and service. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and the countless lives she touched.

Visiting hours for Mary will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2025, from 4:00-7:00pm at the Slattery Funeral Home, Inc., 40 Pleasant Street, Marlborough, MA 01752. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 1:00pm at the Immaculate Conception Parish, 9 Prospect Street, Marlborough. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, 133 Wilson Street, Marlborough.