Joan Clay Ryan, 87, long time resident of Ridley Park, died October 11, 2016. Born in Springfield, she was the daughter of the late Alvin A. and Elizabeth McNally Clay.

Joan was a graduate of Notre Dame High School for Girls, class of 1946. She married psychologist, Frank R. Ryan and they had ten children. Joan enrolled in college at DCCC when her tenth child began first grade, and maintained a 4.0 GPA. She received a partial scholarship to Rosemont College and graduated Summa Cum Laude. After receiving her M.A. from Rutgers University, Joan taught English and Literature at local colleges for 15 years before retiring. She was employed by Delaware County Community College, Pennsylvania Institute of Technology and Penn State, Brandywine.


Joan was an active member of the Church of St. Madeline where she was on the Parish Council, Sodality and was the Offertory Coordinator. She enjoyed gardening, classical music and traveling with her late husband.

Joan was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Frank R. Ryan, who died January 4, 2011; her children, baby Elizabeth Ryan and Francis M. Ryan; and her siblings, Alvin Clay, Helen Kustin and James Clay.

Survivors: mother of James A. Ryan (Carolyn), Michael R. Ryan (Clare), Mark A. Ryan (Robin), Matthew G. Ryan (Theresa), Dr. Joan B. Ryan, Gerard C. Ryan (Irene), Mary Ryan (Peter), Martha R. DeFilippo (Matthew), Patrick J. Ryan (Kim); also 40 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren and many nephews and nieces.

Funeral Mass: 10:00 AM Monday, October 17, 2016 at the Church of St. Madeline, 400 Morton Ave., Ridley Park, PA 19078

Visitation: 6:00-9:00 PM Sunday and 8:15-9:15 AM Monday at the White-Luttrell Funeral Home, 311 N. Swarthmore Ave., Ridley Park, PA 19078

Burial: Holy Cross Cemetery

Memorial gifts may be made to the above church c/o 110 Park Street, Ridley Park, PA 19078