Karen M. (Irvin) Ryan, a 38 year resident of Melrose and formerly of Charlestown, entered into eternal life on Friday, January 16, 2015 at her home in Melrose following an extended illness. She was 63 years old.
Karen was born in Boston on March 22, 1951, a daughter of the late William F. Irvin and Helen C. (McLaughlin) Irvin. She grew up in Charlestown where she was educated in the Boston Public School system and graduated from Charlestown High School in 1970. Karen worked at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston as a Administrator for several departments throughout the hospital and retired a couple of years ago after 42 years of dedicated service. She was a former member of the Majestic Knights Drum & Bugle Corps in Charlestown and she also enjoyed shopping.
Karen is the beloved wife of 40 years to John F. Ryan. She is the devoted mother of Michelle C. Ryan of Melrose and Sean Ryan of Melrose. She is the loving Nana to Lilly Karen Ranucci. She is the beloved sister of William Irvin and his wife Catherine of Melrose, Dennis Irvin and his wife Ellen of Malden, Edward Irvin and his wife Patricia of Wakefield, Pamela Irvin of Melrose, Jeffrey Irvin and his wife Janelle of Stoneham and McKenzie Irvin of Squantum. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Karen's Funeral on Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at 9:15 A.M. from The Carr Funeral Home, 1159 Main St. Melrose followed by her Funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church (corner of Myrtle & Herbert Streets) Melrose at 10:30 A.M. Her burial will be at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park in Peabody. Visiting hours will be on Tuesday, January 20, 2015 from 4 to 8 P.M. in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a memorial donation in Karen's name to Hallmark Health Hospice, 178 Savin St. Suite 300, Malden, Mass. 02148.