Loretta J. Ryan's Obituary
Loretta Jean Ryan, age 84, of South Park, was called to eternal rest surrounded by her loving family on Friday, April 18th, 2025.
Loretta is preceded in death by her adoring husband of 58 years, William J. Ryan; her parents, John and Laura Senanis; her sister, Lorraine, and brother-in-law, Dennis Homer; her niece, Susan O'Sullivan; and great-nephew, Brendan Dumas.
She was a loving mother to Shawn (Stacey) Ryan, Cheryl (Jeffrey) Greer, and William (Dawn) Ryan. Cherished Grammy of Lauren (Alex) Kane, Jeffrey Greer, Allison (Harrison) Everley, Megan (Zack Church) Ryan, Katelyn Ryan, Kira Greer, Will Ryan, Shawn Ryan, Erin Ryan, and Ashlyn Ryan; and proud Great-Grammy to Keegan Kane. Loretta is also survived by her sisters, Dolores Senanis, and Dorothy (Thomas) O'Sullivan; as well as many nieces and dear friends.
Loretta's children were her life's work and proudest achievement. One of her highest priorities in life was raising her children and teaching them every day what it meant to be strong, loving, caring, and kind. Younger, Loretta volunteered at Nativity Church, in the CCD program and at school events. She was proud to teach her family about God and shared her faith with them every day. Her family meant everything to her, she never missed a family event, and she lived her life to the fullest every moment.
Once her grandchildren were born, she helped take care of them, watched them frequently (which was always the kids' favorite!), and supported them every step of the way. She did everything from care for them while they were sick, to show up to countless dance recitals, swim meets, musicals, twirling competitions, and lacrosse games, all with a warm smile on her face- excited to watch.
Loretta believed in her family fiercely and lifted each one of her children and grandchildren up with unwavering support. There was no such thing as a limit on their potential, where she encouraged and supported every single dream and ambition. There is no better word to describe Loretta than selfless.
Many of her happiest times were spent creating memories with her loved ones in the house she and her husband built on Snee Drive, 55 years ago. On Snee, Loretta was surrounded by countless friends and neighbors, including her extended family, the Owens. Loretta also enjoyed the family's years of beach vacations. It did not matter whether the trip was to Myrtle Beach, the Outer Banks, Hilton Head Island, or Hawaii, Loretta was thrilled to be there and to be spending that time with her loved ones. She prioritized her family more than life itself.
Loretta's legacy of unconditional love, kindness, and faith will live on forever in our hearts. God Bless.
Family and friends are welcomed from 3-9pm on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home, 301 Curry Hollow Road Pittsburgh, PA 15236.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10am on Friday, April 25, 2025 at Nativity Catholic Church - Our Lady of Hope Parish, 5811 Curry Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15236.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Loretta to Community Human Services (CHS) at www.chscorp.org or at 2525 Liberty Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15222, in support of homelessness services.
Online condolences may be shared at jeffersonmemorial.com.
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