SCARBOROUGH – Joyce A. Ryan, 70, passed away May 4, 2007, surrounded by her family at Maine Medical Center’s Gibson Pavilion. In 2006, Joyce was diagnosed with colon cancer and in spite of many complications, fought back with the courage and gracious dignity that she was so admired for. Joyce was born in Millinocket to Lloyd “Bill” and Lucy (Myshrall) Rideout. As one of 15 children, Joyce was blessed with many cherished childhood memories and traditions that she passed on to her own family, especially during the holidays, which were always very special to her. She attended Millinocket schools, graduating from Stearns High School in 1955. Although she often talked about pursuing a career, Joyce selflessly put her own dreams aside and devoted her life to her family. As a young woman, Joyce was first employed at the Red & White Grocery Store, Millinocket, and then at the Eagle Mountain House, Jackson, N.H. She later worked at Hamlin Elementary School and then at South Port-land Nursing Home, both in South Portland. Most recently, she was employed at Flaherty’s Family Farm, Scarborough, where she had many friends. Joyce’s unique gift of bringing beauty to anything she touched could not have been more evident than in the floral arrangements and baskets she would make for her many loyal customers. Even the youngest of “customers,” whom she loved, would often ask their mothers to bring them in just “to see Joyce.” She touched the lives of so many with her warm heart and natural caring way. Joyce loved flowers and gardening, shopping, cooking, taking trips to Foxwoods with friends, music, non-fiction novels and writing poetry. Joyce will always be remembered for her spirited independence. She would often say that losing that independence was the hardest thing for her to accept as her illness progressed and she could not just do the things she wanted. Yet she always found the strength to do for others. To family and friends Joyce’s home was always open and everyone could always count on her quick wit to make them laugh. Joyce was predeceased by her parents; three brothers, Richard, John and Billy; and three sisters, Gail, Carolyn and Barbara. Surviving is her husband of 50 years, Thomas Ryan Jr. of Scarborough; her children, Thomas Ryan III and partner, Ori Kahn, of Scarborough, Jody Ryan and husband, Don Moulton, of Portland, Robyn Carrier and husband, Mark, of Scarborough, Tammy Ryan and husband, Kevin Rickett, of Portland and Jason Ryan and wife, Kara, of Steep Falls; five sisters, Mim Mountford and husband, Bob, Mitzi Daggett and husband, Steve, all of Florida; Jane Jones of Alabama; Patti Wedge and husband, Larry, Edy Healey and husband, Bob, all of Millinocket; three brothers, Ken Rideout and wife, Anne, Gordon Rideout and wife, Louise, all of Connecticut, and Don Rideout and wife, Sumeko, of Nevada; nine grandchildren whom she adored, Ryan and Heather Carrier, Tommy and Rachael Ryan, Tyler Moulton, Courtney and Brent Rickett, Hunter and Brayden Ryan; as well as many dear friends who brought such happiness to Joyce’s life. Joyce and her family will be forever grateful for the wonderful nurses, doctors and staff of the Gibson Pavilion, Maine Cancer Center and Hospice of Southern Maine. It was through their genuine concern and kindness, and commitment to helping people that gave Joyce and her family the peace and comfort they needed. Visiting hours will be 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday at Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 9 a.m. Wednesday at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 150 Black Point Road, Scarborough. Burial will be at Brooklawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, Joyce’s wish is that memorial contributions be made to the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at Maine Medical Center, 22 Bramhall St., Portland, ME 04101. Online condolences may be sent to www.ctcrawford.com
JOYCE A. RYAN
