Myrtle RYAN

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RYAN: Myrtle Miranda Ryan passed away Wednesday, August 3, 2011 at Valleyview Care Centre, with her daughter at her side. She was 89 years old. Mom was born in Winnipeg to George and Catherine Cox, although the family lived in England for many years. While in England, Mom worked as a nanny while also continuing her education to become a nurse. The family returned to Canada the day war was declared in England and she continued her nursing education at Misericordia Hospital in Winnipeg. After graduation, Mom worked at the T.B. Sanatorium in Ninette. It was here she met Pat Ryan, who became her best friend, husband, and adventure partner. They spent their honeymoon on a large 1800 C.C. Indian motorcycle, pulling a 12 foot canoe behind them. Thus began their love of the outdoors. As their family grew they spent every Sunday visiting one of the local lakes to fish, ice fish, ride boats, or just enjoy time with friends. When Pat retired from the City of Brandon's Works Department their second home became Arizona. Each winter they would travel to Apache Junction where they stayed for six months. Mom was sure the dry desert heat helped her arthritis. She would sit in the sun soaking up the heat while Dad entertained visitors with his Irish wit and charm. They enjoyed 12 very happy years travelling to Arizona and made many special friends during those years. Mom worked as a nurse all her life and her care and compassion was evident in the care she gave to everyone. First at the old Assiniboine hospital; then as a private nurse to those receiving hospice care at home, and finally as the Charge Nurse at Central Park Lodge when it first opened. She also worked as a nurse at the Children's Aid Society's foster home "The Maples" which was located in the building which has become the Daly House Museum. We also had foster children joining our family on a regular basis, with some staying for up to eight years. She truly had a large heart that cared for everyone she came in contact with, either in her professional, or her personal life. Mom's religion was a very important part of her life. She became one of Jehovah's Witnesses at an early age and remained active all her life. She had many dear and lifelong friends at her church, both in Brandon and Arizona. Mom had three sisters who have all predeceased her. Doll (and Ern) in Portsmouth, England, Myra (and Chris) in Winnipeg, and Gladys in Victoria. She has one brother-in-law remaining in Victoria, George Young. There were two brothers, David who died in infancy, and George who died in a hunting accident. She was also predeceased by her husband, Patrick (1989) and her son, Patrick Jr. known as Paddy (1988). She is survived by her daughter, Heather White, and son- in- law Colin; two grandchildren, Michael (wife Angela) and Nicola. She was also great grandmother to four special children; Gavin, Greysen, Addison and Gabriel. Mom's nephew, David Bevis also held a very special place in her heart. A Memorial Service will be held at Brockie Donovan Chapel, 332-8th Street, on Tuesday August 9, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. with Todd Gabler from the Brandon Jehovah’s Witnesses officiating.. At Mom's request, a private graveside service will be held for the family. I would also like to thank the wonderful staff at Valleyview Care Centre for the compassionate and gentle care Mom received from all the staff on the second floor. Her roommate, Rudy was a constant and loyal companion. She often referred to all of you as "her Special ladies". Messages of condolence may be placed at www.brockiedonovan.com.

As published in Brandon Sun on Aug 06, 2011