Ann J. (Butler) Ryan

SALEM - Ann J. (Butler) Ryan, matriarch of one of Salem’s largest and most well-known families, died Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024. She was the wife of the late Dr. James T. “Doc” Ryan, to whom she was married for 59 years before he passed away in 2014.

Born in Salem on January 15th, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Thomas P. Butler and Anna (Leary) Butler. Ann graduated No. 2 in her class from St. James High School in 1950 and earned a scholarship to Emmanuel College, graduating in 1954. She met her future husband when both were Salem playground instructors in the summer of 1952.

Ann was a teacher at Carlton School in Salem and later worked as a receptionist at Doc Ryan’s dental office, a hub of activity in the city. She was an enthusiastic swimmer who for many years was at the door waiting for the Salem YMCA to open at 5 a.m. She appeared as a swimmer – “Helen” – in a Walgreens commercial.

Ann and Doc loved nothing more than to get in the car and drive, often with no specific destination in mind, though there was always a good chance they would land at a baseball diamond. She was a woman of simplicity, yet great depth of character and spirit. She took genuine interest in anyone with whom she crossed paths.

Without question, Ann’s No. 1 role was as a mother, one at which she excelled, giving birth to 14 children from January 1957 to January 1978.  

She is survived by her children: Mary Beth Desjardins (George), Martha Ryan, Julie Halloran (Paul), James Ryan (Liseth), Thomas Ryan, Anna Vining (Tom), Edward Ryan (Susan), Joseph Ryan (Karen), Stephen Ryan (Kelly), Frederick Ryan, Alice Ryan, Jerry Ryan (Pam), Jennifer George (Mike) and Patrick Ryan (Danielle); siblings Janice Hyam, Paul Butler and Rosemary Mroz; 30 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her siblings M. Louise Butler, Kathleen Sodders, Patricia Femino, Thomas Butler and John Butler; and her daughter-in-law, Alicia Ryan.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to her funeral Mass which will be held at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 1 Margin St., Peabody on Tuesday, April 9th at 10 a.m. Burial will be private. Assisting the family with the arrangements is O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., SALEM. Donations in Ann’s memory may be made to Nashoba Learning Group, 10 Oak Park Drive, Bedford, MA 01730. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com

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