Margaret A. "Peggy" (Maloney) Ryan

Margaret A. “Peggy” (Maloney) Ryan, a longtime resident of Quincy, formerly of West Roxbury, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 3rd. She was 85.

She was born in Boston to Bridget M. (Foley) and Edward T. Maloney and raised in West Roxbury. She attended St. Theresa’s Grammar School and then went on to Roslindale High School. After graduating she began working for the New England Telephone Company. She was there for almost 40 years and made countless lifelong friends.

When Peggy met her husband, Thomas F. Ryan BPD, Tom was raising four children. Peggy stepped into their lives with love and a steady hand, helping pull the family together. After she and Tom married, they added two more children to the family, bringing the total to six. Tom’s mother, also named Margaret, and his aunt, Grace, lived in their home and Peggy cared for them as well.

Peggy’s innate desire to care for people began at just 8 years old when she lost her own mom and shifted into the role of mother and caretaker for her father and two younger sisters. Her devotion never stopped with family, it extended to neighbors, co-workers, store clerks, gas station attendants – anyone who needed a kind word, a helping hand or a warm meal. Peggy was always there for them. Her unwavering faith guided everything she did. It shaped the quiet way she volunteered for countless causes without fanfare. Her house was always open to everyone for holidays, birthdays or just to cook and bake for loved ones. She was also always present for her grandchildren. Whether sporting events, Irish Step, school plays and everything in between, Nana Peg was there, often the loudest in the stands leaving no doubt who she was cheering for.

Beloved wife to the late Thomas F. Ryan BPD. Devoted mother to Maggie Ryan Flaherty and husband John of Milton, the late Sgt. John C. Ryan, QPD, the late Det. Edward T. Ryan QPD, Thomas F. Ryan III, retired MSP, and wife Susan of Cohasset, Joan Ryan Duchesney and husband James of Hyannis and the late Elaine Ryan Pearson and husband Charles of Centerville. Cherished Mother-in-Law to Beth Ryan of Milton and Liz Ryan of Hamilton. Treasured Nana to 12 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. Loving sister to the late Kay Lane of West Roxbury. Also survived by many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, October 13th at St. Ann’s Church, Quincy. Burial will follow at Pine Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Peggy’s name may be made to the MA/NH Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, 320 Nevada Street #201, Newton, MA 02460.