Patricia Ryan Nutting passed away on 7/29/2025 from frontotemporal dementia at age 64. She grew up in Medway as one of eight children of John and Ella Ryan of Medway. Tricia graduated from Medway High in 1979, then attended St. Elizabeth School of Nursing and later Regis College, where she earned her BS and MS in nursing, ultimately becoming a nurse practitioner. During her career, she worked at Saint Elizabeth Hospital, Metro West Medical Center’s oncology department, and at Dana Farber Cancer Institute, where she worked in the survivorship clinic. She spent time as a private duty nurse for her dearest friend, Gordon Sterling. She enjoyed many summers as the nurse at the Franklin County Day Camp, where she carefully administered Band-Aids, popsicles, and generous big hugs to all campers in need. Nursing was her calling in life, and she will be remembered for her passion for her patients and her profession.
Tricia was a vibrant person who was full of life. She was known for her contagious enthusiasm. She loved to travel, especially to St. John’s, and she was always ready for a party. She ran the Boston Marathon, rode in the Pan Mass Challenge, and hiked the Alps. Her favorite times were with friends and family, especially during her holiday gatherings. Tricia loved anything that sparkled, finding rainbows, and was a firm believer in angels.
Tricia is survived by her two daughters, Kathryn and Caroline, as well as her seven brothers and sisters, Linda Ryan, Ursula Zaycer, John Ryan, Margaret Hines, Robert Ryan, Paul Ryan, and Mark Ryan, and her ex-husband, Jeff Nutting. Many nieces and nephews also survive her. We are grateful for her dearest friends Jocelyn Lucier who did so much for her during her life and as she slowly declined from her terrible illness at such a young age and Ann DeVarannes who loved Tricia deeply and unconditionally. We extend our gratitude to the staff of the Tapestry at the Willows who loved and cared for Tricia when she could no longer be at home.
Please join us for a Celebration of Life on August 23, 2025 at 12-3pm at Primavera in Millis to celebrate Patricia. Primavera is at 20 Pleasant St, Millis, MA.
For those who would like to donate in her memory, please consider the Dana Farber Cancer Institute https://www.dana-farber.org/ or The Association for Frontotemporal Dementia https://www.theaftd.org/
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Ginley Crowley Funeral Home in Medway ginleyfuneralhomes.com