Margaret (Rogers) Ryan

Margaret Anne Ryan (nee Rogers) 1949-2024
Margaret “Peggy” Ryan, most recently of Cape Coral, Florida, passed away on August 7, 2024, after a decades-long battle with myelodysplastic syndrome.  

Peggy was born on February 18, 1949, in Chicago, IL.  She was the third and youngest child of Mae and Charles Rogers.  She grew up surrounded by her huge Irish family, gaining a deep love and appreciation for her relatives and her heritage.  She found her professional passion as a nurse, serving first in the intensive care unit at Little Company of Mary.  She would often recall stories of lives saved and skills learned.  The United States Navy recognized her unique and valuable skill set when she joined the Naval Reserves in 1986, ultimately retiring with the rank of Lieutenant JG.  In 1991 she was administratively recalled to support Operation Desert Storm, and proudly served her country.

One of her most memorable nursing moments ultimately led to her 47-year marriage to Michael “Mike” Ryan.  Her strongest supporter, when asked years ago how he could ever “let his wife be in the Navy”, he replied, “I don’t ‘let’ her do anything.  I support what makes her better, because what makes her better, makes us better.”  They share three sons, James, William (Shannon), and Michael (Leslie).  Mike was at Peggy’s bedside for their anniversary on August 6th, and held her hand as she passed on August 7th.  

Peggy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  She was an excellent aunt and cousin and niece.  Her friends can fill books with descriptions of the fun they would have on adventures, whether at a local restaurant, or riding cross-country on motorcycles (Peggy in the sidecar, thank you very much!)  With a passion for all things tie-dye, she filled the world with color.  She kept her home and loved ones warm with a bounty of crocheted blankets and hats.  She kept her mind sharp with Sudoku and books- reading glasses can be found on every flat surface in her house.  And although she currently did not have a dog, those pups lucky enough to cuddle with her knew her love.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, her elder brother Richard, and son Billy.  She is survived by her husband, sons Jim and Mike, sister Beth, grandchildren Michael, Damon, Devin, Jacqulyn, and Jacob, and great-grandchildren Malaya, Olivia, Charlotte, William, Willow, Walker, and Leo. 

 Family and friends will gather for a visitation on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.  Funeral Wednesday 10 a.m. until time of prayers 11 a.m. at the Palos Gaidas Funeral Home 11028 Southwest Highway, Palos Hills, Illinois, to Sacred Heart Church mass 11:30 A.M. and interment private Arrangements entrusted to Heinen and Loschetter Funeral Services, Lisa M. DeAngelis Director

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