Eleanor Mary Ryan

Eleanor Mary Ryan was born in Seattle on July 15, 1924, to Nancy and Julius Branze.  Her sisters and brothers were Rose, Florence, Joseph and Lawrence.  She grew up in a family rich with Italian heritage. In the middle 1930’s the children’s father tragically perished in a boating accident.  But, the family pulled together and blossomed under the love and guidance of their mother, Nancy. The girls loved to dance, and at a dance, Eleanor met the man she would marry, Jerome John Ryan. Eleanor and Jerry were happily wed on February 7, 1942, at Mt. Virgin Parish Church, in Seattle.  They began their family with the birth of their daughter, Ellen Ryan, in 1943, and son, Jerome Ryan, in 1945. Eleanor was loving and diligent in caring for her children and husband as they worked and sacrificed to carve out a life for their family.  Amidst all of this, were the holidays and feast days rich with large family gatherings and irresistible Italian cuisine.  Momma Nancy had eventually remarried with Giuseppe Cappallari, who was a wine maker. Life was good. Eleanor and Jerry built a happy home and loved to entertain family and friends, and dance.  They also loved to golf, and dance.  They enjoyed local, and more distant travel, to engage in those favored activities with family and friends.  They made many wonderful memories. Eleanor had an eye for beauty and style.  She loved colorful fashion and accessories with fun jewelry. And always well coiffed hair. She was warm with everyone, and she was beautiful. She regularly went to Church and was a Charitable person. Eleanor’s husband, Jerry, passed in 2010. She lived a quieter life after that, mostly among family and children of family.On June 30, 2016, after an illness, she passed peacefully in her home with family. We love her forever, and we know that she loves us.  She was our shining star. A Funeral Mass for Eleanor will be held 11am Friday, July 8th at St. Edwards Church 4205 S. Orcas St. Seattle, WA. 98118 Entombment will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery 5041 35th Ave NE, Seattle, WA. 98105