Avita Frick Ryan

Avita Frick Ryan of New London, NH passed away peacefully on August 8, 2024, at the age of 94.

Avita, better known as “Veetsie” was born on January 26, 1930, in Waynesboro, PA, where she lived with her parents Collette (O’Toole) and Paul Frick and her brother Paul, Jr. Upon graduating from St. Joseph’s College in Emmitsburg, MD, Veetsie moved to Washington, DC where she met and married Thomas Ryan from Springfield, MA. They raised 5 children in Bethesda, MD, Margie Ryan (Jamie Fereday) Coos Bay, OR, Paul Ryan (Julianne) Peachtree Corners, GA, Mary Walsh (Greg) Brookline, MA, Bridget Rahr (David) Chicago, IL and Kate Moynihan (Dan) Needham, MA. Veetsie was preceded in death by her husband, Tom, and is survived by her 5 children and their spouses and 13 grandchildren: Paul Jr., Anna `and Mattie Ryan, Zach Kilgore, Frances, Ryan Alexander, and Reid Walsh, Gordon, Louise, and Charlie Rahr, and Timothy, Peter and Charlotte Moynihan.

 After raising her family, Veetsie and Tom spent the winter months in Naples, FL where they made many wonderful friends and enjoyed golf, tennis, and entertaining.

 Veetsie was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She often looked for every opportunity to get her family together with planned trips and reunions, which began with an annual family ski trip to her home in NH to celebrate the New Year. She loved to travel - never saying no to an adventure, which took her to the Far East, Europe, Africa, and South America. At the ages of 91 & 92, she treated her family to trips to a ranch in Montana where she rode horses and shot pistols with her grandchildren. Always looking to share incredible experiences with her family, she was full of energy and had an infectious and admirable spirit.

Parties were one of Veetsie’s favorite events and she was a master of planning any celebration. Incredibly creative, she brought style and flair which showcased her artistic ability. She loved gardening, flower arranging, wreath making, and any craft project. Veetsie mastered the art of sewing, knitting, and needlepoint. Later in life, she enjoyed her painting classes as she honed her skills and proudly displayed her works of art. She loved everything about Christmas, beginning with the celebration of Jesus’ birthday. She loved the music, and the lights, and began preparing months in advance baking her legendary cookies and making beautiful gifts for her friends and relatives.

Veetsie’s Catholic faith guided her throughout her life, and she was a dedicated volunteer and supporter of many organizations. In her final days, she only wanted to be with her family who brought her the greatest joy and kept her smiling and laughing. Veetsie was her authentic self until the end and will be missed by those who knew and loved her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on October 5, 2024, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Church in New London, NH. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, 1140 Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60607.

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