RYAN, MARY THERESA - Mary entered the House of her eternity on October 7th, 2006 on the beautiful feast of our Lady of the Holy Rosary after a long and courageous journey for more than 40 years with Multiple Sclerosis. Mary was the cherished only daughter of the late John and Helena (Higgins) Ryan. She resided all of her life in Fredericton. In her later years, she was delighted to live in a new home built on the site of the original homestead where she grew up. Up until her early retirement Mary had a career in business having worked in several capacities for several years. Among her greatest pleasures was working as the office manager of Paul Burden Ltd. Here she distinguished herself as an integral part of the business world, not only in the Fredericton region but in other parts of the province as well. Mary loved to read and acquired over time a library of favorite authors, courtesy of her good friend Kay Dineen. When able, she loved being behind the wheel of her car with her widowed mother beside her. For most of her life, her focus was on being a companion to her widowed mother. She enjoyed swimming with her friends at the Y, where even while severely handicapped, she could glide through the water with considerable ease. As a devoted Catholic she was a member of St. Dunstan's parish and up until recently could be found in her wheelchair seated in the front row. It was her inspiring connection to her faith that enabled her to be secure, in the abiding presence of God. She is survived by her brother, Patrick (Sherry) of Calgary, and Jim (Mary) of Fredericton; as well as sister-in-laws, Chris Ryan of Burnaby BC, Lois Ryan and Neva Ryan of Fredericton; as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews across Canada whom she cherished. She was predeceased by her parents; brothers, Frank, Ronald (Paddy) Charlie, Walter (Butch); and sister-in-law, Willa. The family is grateful to Mary's care-givers over the years: Della, Marilyn, Nancy, Jennifer, Linda and Anne Marie, the nurses of the Extra Mural program and Maureen McKee whose devotion meant so much to all of us. Resting at Bishops Funeral Home Tuesday, October 10th from 3:30 to 5 and 7 to 9 from where the Eucharistic celebration to honor her life will be held Wednesday October 11th at 12 noon at St. Dunstan's Church presided over by Father Gerald White. Donations to St. Dunstan's building fund or to the Multiple Sclerosis Society would be appreciated.