Geraldine M "Gerre" Ryan

Geraldine Mary Ryan, 81, passed away on February 26th, 2017. Daughter of Isabelle and Ernest Racette, "Gerre" was born in Clayburg, New York on 16 December, 1935. Gerre was a graduate of Sallaz Academy in Redford, NY and Plattsburgh State University. An elementary teacher for many years, she began her teaching career in a one room school house and taught in New York, California, and Germany for the Department of Defense. She is survived by six siblings, Robert, Elizabeth, Patricia, Donald, Ceil and Kenneth. Gerre was the devoted mother of five children Mary, Susan, Nina, Martin, and Meg. She was a proud grandmother of six grandchildren, Katie, Mark, Nelson, Tessa, Roman and Declan, and has eight great-grandchildren. Gerre was pre-deceased by her loving husband LTC Martin V. Ryan, whom she met and married in 1963 in Nuremberg, Germany, fraternal twin brother Gerald and brother Eugene. Gerre was an accomplished painter, exquisite needleworker, a super cook, and an avid reader. She was a master crossword puzzler. She volunteered for many years at St. John's Church, where she was an active parishioner for 49 years. Gerre was a lifetime member of the Altar Rosary Society and Catholic Daughters of America. Gerre taught at several Catholic schools and was an advocate of Catholic education. Gerre had a passion for life, a tremendous sense of humor and an infectious laugh. She brought joy into the lives of everyone who knew her. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, March 1st, 2017 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Brown Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday March 2nd, 2017 at 11:00 am at St. John's Church in Plattsburgh. Burial will be at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Plattsburgh. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Seton Academy, Plattsburgh, NY in her name. Arrangements are entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St., Plattsburgh, N.Y. 12901 (518) 561-3980. Online condolences may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com.