Virginia Rae Ryan

Virginia (Ginny) Rae Ryan, 94, beloved wife, mother, grandma and great-grandma, passed away in her home in Manteno, IL on Thursday, October 12, 2023, which was also her 94th birthday, surrounded by her loving family. Ginny was born on October 12, 1929 in Joliet, IL, to Raymond and Madalyn (O’Reilly) Rohel. She graduated from the McCormick School of Commerce in Chicago. One of her first professional positions was with the Socony (Mobil) Oil Company in Chicago as receptionist. On July 26, 1952, Ginny married Gerald (Gerry) Ryan in Chicago. Gerry passed away in 2021. They were happily married for 68 years. Ginny devoted most of her life to raising her eight children. Later in life, she re-entered the workforce working at the Circuit Court of Cook County in the Daley Center, where she clerked for two judges. During her many years there, she loved working in downtown Chicago and being in the courtroom. Ginny was an extraordinary person, living a life filled with music, laughter and faith in God. She had a remarkable sense of humor, with her wit woven through everyday conversation making for much ongoing laughter and joy. She also loved to sing along with and dance to her many favorite artists' music. In fact, the fish she received as gifts during her final days were named Vic (Damone), Mel (Tormé) and Bernadette (Peters). To her family and all those who knew her, Ginny was the purest example of unconditional love and unwavering support. Her most special gift was the ability to provide each of us with exactly the right words of encouragement, guidance and strength we needed at that moment. Ginny was also an ardent animal lover, having had many loved and loyal pets through the years, including Rocco (her kitty) and Daisy (her dog). Ginny was preceded in death by an older brother who died in infancy, her parents and her husband, Gerry. Ginny is survived by their eight children, Sharon (Stephen) Rooney, Raymond Ryan, Jody (Bruce) Anderson, Michael (the late René) Ryan, Matt (Kathy) Ryan, Susan Ryan, Nancy (Eric Roesch) Ryan, and Christopher (Amy) Ryan. She is the dear grandmother to Stephen Rooney, Shannon (John) Rafter, Shaun (Kristin) Rooney, Scott (Erika) Rooney, Jessica Ross-Ryan, Madison (Charles Manning) Ross-Ryan, Jeremy (Brittany) Anderson, Jeffery Anderson, Eric (Lauren) Anderson, Mark (Kari) Anderson, Colleen (Ryan) Clark, Kevin (Melissa Miller) Ryan, Brittany (Ellie Poley) Alsot, Rachel Petterson, Jack Ryan, and Evan Ryan. She is the dear great-grandmother to Jacob Rooney, Logan Rooney, Grace Rooney, Ryan Rooney, Owen Rooney, Hazel Anderson, Theodore Anderson, Leif Anderson, Emily Anderson, Caleb Anderson, Benjamin Anderson, Felicity Anderson, Belle Rene Anderson, Bruce Clark, Chloe Ryan, and Eric Ryan. Ginny will be so greatly missed by so many. She was and always will be one of a kind. Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home, Manteno, IL is in charge of arrangements. A funeral mass and memorial will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at St. Rose of Lima Chapel, 486 West Merchant St, Kankakee, IL. Gerry will also be included in the celebration of life, as he passed away during the pandemic when services were suspended. Visitors are welcome to come starting at 10:30am to view photos honoring and remembering their lives. Interment will follow at Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery in Alsip, IL.

Virginia Rae Ryan

October 12, 1929 - October 12, 2023