Mary Catherine Ryan R.N.

P. DEAN HOMER FUNERAL HOME 206 WATER STREET PO BOX 1 DUSHORE, PA 18614 TEL 570 928-8163 FAX 570 928-8116 Email pdh@epix.net April 11, 2012 OBITUARY Mary Catherine Ryan, R.N., age 97, of Dushore, PA passed away on Wednesday, April 11, 2012 at the Troy Community Hospital. Mary Catherine was born in Sayre, PA on August 21, 1914, a daughter of the late Joseph A. Sr. and Margaret Doyle Ryan. The family moved to Cherry Township in 1919. Catherine attended the one-room Barth School and graduated from St. Basil’s High School in 1933 and was the last surviving member of that class. She soon moved to Philadelphia and graduated from St Agnes Hospital School of Nursing in Philadelphia in 1937. She went on to post-graduate studies in eye care and in contagious diseases, particularly children’s contagious diseases, at North Philadelphia Municipal Hospital. She then moved to Pittsburgh where she worked as a supervisor of contagious diseases in the Presbyterian Hospital. Returning to Philadelphia, Catherine continued studying and took the Dept. of Health’s Civil Service test, after which she served as a Public Health Nurse in parochial schools during the school year and in Health Clinics during the summer. For 20 months, from her 1944 enlistment until the war ended, Mary Catherine was a Lieutenant in the Army Nurse Corps, where she worked in numerous departments: surgical, medical, contagious disease, orthopedic, eye care, and transportation. She worked on a “troop train” on which men and women were delivered to various hospitals, according to their needs. She particularly remembers one very ill soldier who was delivered by train to Chicago, near his home. Whatever the circumstances or destination, Mary Catherine made sure that all soldiers were treated with dignity and respect. She received a letter of appreciation for her services from President Harry Truman. After the war Miss Ryan continued as a Public Health Nurse (Child Hygiene) for many years. She then went to work in neonatal care at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She also worked at the Wills Eye Hospital and the VA Hospital both in Philadelphia, PA. Later she did home patient care and physical therapy. She enjoyed volunteering her time and service at nursing homes as well. She always had great respect for the display of the American flag. She received a certificate in recognition of volunteer service in behalf of the veteran’s patients through the Veterans Administration Voluntary Service Program. Mary Catherine was a member of St. Basil’s Catholic Church, Dushore, PA and a Past Post Commander of the Helen Fairchild Nurses Post #412, as well as being a life member of the American Legion, Loyalsock Post #996. Miss Ryan enjoyed the membership in Catholic Golden Age, Catholic Knights of St. George, The Ladies of Charity, Archdioceses of Philadelphia, American Association of Retired Persons, and St. Agnes Alumni Assoc. She was a member of the Red Cross Nurses for Disaster Purpose and was a lector and minister of special communion at St Francis of Assisi R.C. Church in Philadelphia. In 1974 Catherine received an award “Four Chaplains Legion of Honor Membership” in recognition of outstanding service to all people regardless of race or faith from the Four Chaplains Legion of Honor, Philadelphia, PA. In 2006 Rep. Tina Pickett honored her with a Commendation and a medal from the PA House of Representatives. The American Heart Association presented her with a certificate of appreciation for her volunteer services at blood drives. Mary Catherine enjoyed gardening, crocheting, and reading. Surviving: Niece and Nephews: Josie Romano, Dushore, PA; Michael Ryan, Dushore, PA; Jerome Ryan, Chicago, IL Mary Catherine was predeceased by her brothers John Ryan December 15, 1928, Joseph (Tony) Ryan, August 12, 1999, and Thomas Ryan, March 24, 2005 and nephews, Robert Ryan on Dec. 13, 1979 and Bernard Ryan on April 5, 2007. A Transferal Service will be held on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at 9:30 A.M. from the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St. Dushore, PA, and will be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 A.M. at St. Basils Church, Dushore, PA with Rev. Joseph R. Hornick, her pastor, presiding and Rev. Michael P. Reid II, V.F., pastor of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Lebanon, concelebrating. Interment will be in St. Basils Cemetery. Her family will provide the flowers. Memorials may be directed to St. Basil’s Church, PO Box 307, Dushore, PA 18614 for a fund for the neediest. Friends may call on Monday, April 16, 2012 from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Members of IHM parish Altar & Rosary Society will recite the Rosary at 3:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Graveside Military Services will be accorded by members of Loyalsock Post #996 American Legion, Dushore, PA. To send condolences or sign the e-guestbook, please go to www.homerfuneralhome.com. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Mary Catherine Ryan R.N., please visit our flower store.