Mary "Tracy" Ryan

January 16, 1942 - November 5, 2017

Mary “Tracy” Ryan, 75, of Oskaloosa, died Sunday, November 5, 2017, at the MHP Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa. She was born January 16, 1942, at Albany, New York the daughter of Thomas and Celia Tracy Keenan. She graduated from Cardinal McCloskey Catholic High School in Albany, New York. She further her education by taking nursing training and working at the Albany Medical Center in Albany, New York. While there she earned her L.P.N. Certification. On April 20, 1963, she was united in marriage to William Patrick Ryan in Albany, New York. Mary continued to work as an LPN while she pursued becoming a Registered Nurse. In 1974, she was capped as an RN from Berkshire Community College in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. She worked as an RN at Fayetteville Women’s Clinic in Fayetteville, North Carolina. In 1981, the family moved to Oskaloosa. Mary gave selflessly of her time, talents, and resources to help various local organizations. She was a generous volunteer that believed in being involved and making a difference. She enjoyed volunteering at the YMCA and teaching the “Swinging 60’s” exercise group. She looked forward to going to Stephen’s Memorial Animal Shelter and helping with the animals. She was an avid reader. She also enjoyed the water swimming and being on the beach, dancing, listening to music, and snow skiing. Mary had a soft spot in her heart for animals. Her family includes her husband William Patrick “Bill” Ryan of Oskaloosa; her son, William Matthew “Billy” Ryan (& Laurie Andrews) of Oskaloosa; a sister and brother in law, Peggy and Jerry Bartlet of Rutland, Vermont; and many friends and family in upstate New York. Mary was preceded in death by her parents. A memorial service honoring Mary’s life with be held Monday, November 6, 2017, at 6:00 p.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel with Deacon Lowell VanWyk officiating. As was Mary’s wish, her body has been cremated. The family will be at the funeral chapel Monday evening from 4 until service time at 6 to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to MHP Hospice Serenity House or Stephen’s Memorial Animal Shelter.