M. Eileen Ryan

Mary Eileen Ryan (“Eileen”), 92, of Needham, Mass., passed away peacefully in her home on the afternoon of Feb. 5, 2026, surrounded by family. Eileen spent her final weeks receiving care in the den of her house, where she and her husband John Ryan (deceased, 2017) had enjoyed so many shows and games, read countless books and newspapers, and listened to music. She had a view of the birds in the feeder in the same backyard where her children and grandchildren had played for decades. Her cat Tiara was nearby and spent several hours in the final week curled at Eileen’s feet. Eileen kept her cherished smile, noted from her earliest days to the very end by visiting caregivers, throughout her life.

Born in Pawtucket, R.I. on May 1, 1933, to John and Mary Ward, Eileen met her future husband John (a Cranston native) at Rhode Island College, where both were preparing to become teachers. They married in 1957. Eileen taught in Rhode Island and New Jersey before she and her husband moved to Boston, eventually settling in what became their permanent home in Needham in 1968. Eileen taught at the Broadmeadow, Newman and Mitchell Elementary Schools in Needham. As a retirement gift in 1997, she received a mirror with an etching from the “Make Way for Ducklings” children’s book. Students loved the kind, gentle and loving manner that also guided her approach to being a supportive wife, mother, grandmother and friend. In retirement, Eileen and John travelled the world – including to their ancestral home of Ireland, among many other places – to revel in their love of education, history and culture. After John’s passing, Eileen remained a source of generous love and good humor, delighting in the details of her family members and friends. Eileen could find joy, meaning and wonder in small or mundane details if shared by a loved one, or even by a new acquaintance.

In her final days, family members sensed that Eileen was eagerly anticipating reuniting with her husband, as well as with her parents and so many friends and relatives who predeceased her – including her older sister, Marjorie, who died of cancer at the age of 55. She is survived by her four children, Stephen, Mary Antonellis, Michael and John; her daughters-in-law Jeannie and Allison Berkoy; her grandchildren Caroline, Ellie, Ruby and Violet; and her cousin Thomas Fairchild and his wife Janice. 

Visiting hours will be held in the Eaton Funeral 1351 Highland Ave, Needham, on Tuesday, February 10th from 4-7. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in St. Bartholomew Church, 1180 Greendale Ave, Needham, on Wednesday, February 11th at 10am. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Needham.

n lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Eileen's memory to Rian Immigrant Center. As an educator, life-long learner and caring neighbor, Eileen believed in welcoming others with dignity. Donations will support immigrants, refugees, and international exchange visitors in the Greater Boston area so they can be welcomed, valued, and enjoy equitable opportunities and protections.

Link:https://www.riancenter.org/donate/  - Instructions: On the donation form, there is a checkbox for "Dedicated Gift." Select "In Memory Of" and enter Eileen’s name. Or checks can be mailed to: Rian Immigrant Center | One State Street, 8th floor | Boston, MA 02109.

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