GLOUCESTER: Eileen E. Ryan, 44, of 14 Patriots Circle died Sunday evening, April 20, 2008 in the Addison Gilbert Hospital following an extended illness.
She was born in Beverly on October 31, 1963. She was a graduate of the Gloucester High School class of 1981.
After graduation, she enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and proudly served her country for eight years, having been based in North Dakota, California, Texas and Colorado. Following her discharge, she lived in Guam for five years. She had been residing in Gloucester for the last decade.
A lifelong advocate for people in need, she volunteered tirelessly for numerous organizations. Eileen was an organizer for Project Uplift, and a board member for the Essex County Community Organization, and the Action for Justice League. She was also a member of the Riverdale Park Committee. At one time, she was also involved with the local H.A.W.C. Program.
She is survived by her mother, Linda (Evans) Riley, wife of William Riley, her children, Elizabeth R. Combs, Mellissa D. Combs, and Kenneth G. Pangelinan, a grandson, Ryan Scott Biggar, her longtime companion and best friend, Reuben James, and his son, Corey James, a sister, Colleen M., wife of Dean Nicastro, two brothers, Timothy P. Ryan and Thomas P. Ryan, her father, Peter G. Ryan, a half-brother, Peter G. Ryan, Jr., a stepsister, Cathy McClellan, two stepbrothers, Patrick and Brien Riley, an aunt, Edith Cunha, a niece, Christina Nicastro and nephew, Anthony Nicastro, and among many dear friends, she leaves, Elizabeth Kiff.
Her memorial service was held on April 23rd in the Trinity Congregational Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to the Hospice of the North Shore, 10 Elm St., Danvers, MA 01923.