It is with heavy heart that we announce the unexpected passing of Kathleen "Kaye" (Burns) Ryan, who entered into eternal rest on May 17, 2025. She passed peacefully at the age of 87. Kaye was a devoted Wife, Mother, Nannie, Sister, Aunt and Friend. Kaye's life centered on her love of family. Kaye is survived by her devoted husband, Vincent "Vinny" Ryan, with whom she shared a beautiful 67- year marriage built on deep friendship and unwavering love. She was the proud and loving mother to her four children Kathy and Paul DiChiara of Norfolk, Patty and Greg Kanelos of Franklin, George and Karina Ryan of Florida and the late Vinny Ryan, Jr. She was always willing to offer her support, wisdom and love, especially when it was most needed. Known as "Nannie" to her cherished grandchildren Kerrin, Devin Anne, Gregory and Gabriella. Also survived by her siblings Mary Guiney, George Burns, and James Burns; ln-laws Maureen Ryan and Brendan Ryan; 26 nieces and nephews, and Kim Daly who was like another daughter to her. Kaye was predeceased by her parents, George and Kathleen Burns, and in-laws, Richard and Bertha Ryan; siblings, John and Roberta Burns, Helen and Joseph Doyle; in-laws, Arlene Ryan, Richard Ryan and Peter Ryan; and her beloved niece Marybeth Guiney. Upon graduation from Notre Dame Academy, Kaye went to work at the Telephone Company. After marrying Vinny, they settled in West Roxbury to raise their family, which is when Kaye's commitment to her community began and which lasted decades. She was a trailblazer and who worked tirelessly in all of her countless ventures. And if Kay got involved, she did so giving 100% effort to each and every committee and always conducted herself with kindness, patience and with an adventurous spirit. A number of committees in which Kaye was involved include the following:
• Chairwoman United Way Campaign ‘77-78
• Ward 20 Democratic Committee - Elected for over a decade,
• West Roxbury Neighborhood Council Vice President
• West Roxbury Historical Society founding member
• West Roxbury Playground Commission
• West Roxbury Civic Association
• West Roxbury Friends of the Library
• West Roxbury - Roslindale American Legion Baseball Past President (First woman)
• Harry Truman Society - Founding Member and Secretary
• Southwest Girls and Boys Club Board Member
• Parkway Babe Ruth Baseball Past President (First woman)
• Sons of ltaly – Member
• Member of the Theresians - St Theresa's Church
• West Roxbury Community School Council - Former Treasurer
• Boston Lodge of Elks #10 - Mother of the Year, 1987 Treasurer (First woman to be accepted)
• City of Boston Volunteer Mediator
• Assistant Catholic Archdiocesan Advisor to CYO
• Parents Advisory Board - Sportsman Tennis Club of Boston
• St Theresa Pre-Teen Basketball League – Secretary
• West Roxbury Zoning Commission Member
• Mt St Joseph H.S. - Mother's Club
• Boston College H.S. - Mother's Club
• Noble & Greenough - Mother's Club
• Christmas Plants for the Elderly City of Boston - Co-Sponsor
• Worked at the Rent Control Board City of Boston
• Worked in the Elderly Commission organizing and overseeing the Bright Eyes Program for the Elderly throughout the City of Boston
• Worked in the Elderly Commission organizing and overseeing the Spirit of Boston outings for the elderly throughout the City of Boston.
• In 1986 Kaye ran for State Representative for Ward 20.
• Kaye worked tirelessly under 3 Mayoral Administrations: Kevin White, Raymond Flynn, and Thomas Menino.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Hebrew Rehabilitation Center and the Aids of Seniors Helpers of Boston. A very heartful thank you to Linda Barraza for taking such special care of mom. Kindly consider making a gift in Kaye's memory to Notre Dame Academy, 1073 Main Street, Hingham, MA 02043.
Visiting Hours at the William J. Gormley Funeral Home, 2055 Centre St. West Roxbury on Friday, May 23rd from 4-8pm. Funeral from the funeral home on Saturday, May 24th at 10:30am followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Theresa Church at 11:30am. Relatives and friends invited. To live stream the Funeral Mass, go to www.sttheresaparishboston.com. Interment at Mt. Benedict Cemetery on Tuesday, May 27th at 11:30am.