Maryknoll, NY: Sister Gloria F. Ryan, M.M. died on May 23^rd, 2021 at the Maryknoll Sisters Center, Maryknoll, NY. She was born on February 11^th, 1924, in Brooklyn, NY to Robert Ryan and Ann (Cannon) Ryan. She had one sister, Alice, and two brothers, Arthur and Raymond; all of whom have pre-deceased her.

Gloria attended Bayridge High School in Brooklyn, NY from 1938 – 1942. After graduating, she worked for Home Life Insurance Co., in NYC for three years doing clerical work while attending night classes at St. John’s University from 1944 – 1945. She entered the Maryknoll Sisters Novitiate in Maryknoll, NY (from St. Agatha Parish, Brooklyn, NY) on September 6^th, 1945. She made her First Profession of Vows on March 7^th, 1948 at the Maryknoll Sisters Center Maryknoll, NY and her Final Profession of Vows on the same date in 1951, also at the Sisters Center.

In 1947, Sister Gloria studied at Maryknoll Teachers College (located on the property of the Maryknoll Sisters Center Maryknoll, NY) there she earned a Bachelor of Education Degree in 1951. She continued her education at City College, New York where she earned a Master’s Degree in Adult Education in 1973.

In 1951, Sister Gloria received her first overseas mission assignment to the Island of Luzon in the Philippines where she served for 14 years as a Religion and English Teacher to middle and high school students.

For the next several years she moved from place to place in the Philippines wherever she was needed. From 1964 – 1965, she served in Sto. Tomas Davao, Island of Mindinao teaching English and Religion in a high school; in Cateel from 1965 – 1969 she served as a high school Principal and made home visits to those in need; in Sigaboy from 1969 – 1970 she did parish work and taught adult education.

In 1975, Sister Gloria came back to the Maryknoll Sisters Center, Maryknoll, NY to do Congregational Service until 1978.

Sister Gloria continued to work in the U.S., providing aid to runaway girls at St. Brigid’s Convent in New York City. During this time, she also taught adult education at the Maryknoll Sisters Center, Maryknoll, NY until 1981. In addition, she did promotion and mission education in the New England area from 1981-1984 and also worked with Salvadoran refugees at St. Brigid’s Parish on Long Island from 1985 -1987.

In 1987, Sister Gloria was assigned to the Eastern US Region; She continued her ministry in St. Brigid’s Parish with the Salvadoran refugees doing home visits, helping with employment, housing and Christian Community development.

From 1992 – 1994, Sister Gloria returned home to take care of her elderly mother.  In 1995, she semi-retired in Terryville, CT, however, she continued to volunteer her services doing parish work.

In 2000, she fully retired at the Maryknoll Sisters Center, Maryknoll, NY.

Funeral Services: A Vespers Service for Sister Gloria will be held today, May 27^th, 2021 in the Annunciation Chapel at the Maryknoll Sisters Center, Maryknoll, NY. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, May 28^th, followed by Interment in the Maryknoll Sisters Cemetery, Maryknoll, NY.