GLOUCESTER: Dorothy Eva Elizabeth (Mattson) Ryan, 87, of Lanesville, died unexpectedly on Monday, January 3, 2011. She was the wife of the late Francis H. Ryan, who died on December 29, 1992.
Dorothy was born in Gloucester on November 24, 1923. She was the daughter of the late Matt and Aili (Heikonen) Mattson. She was a lifelong resident of Gloucester and graduate of the Gloucester High School Class of 1941.
Dorothy and Francis were married on July 8, 1945 by the Reverend James A. Sherry at the former St. Peter’s Church in East Gloucester. Dorothy and Francis were each the youngest of their large families.
Dorothy was employed as a quality control secretary for many years at Gorton’s of Gloucester.
One of her biggest pleasures in life was the close relationships she shared with her extended family members and friends over the years. One by one they each passed on until, for the most part, Dorothy was the lone survivor of her generation of friends, family and neighbors. Her sister, Bertha Larsen, was her last close companion for many years and they would go over to Niles Beach together for coffee and to enjoy the view and have a few good laughs. Changes like that are not always easy to live with but Dorothy was a trooper to the very end. She kept her own show on the road in spite of ill health and for many years. We liked to call her a tough old Finn.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Martin S. and Carol Ryan of Cane Bay Plantation, Summerville, SC; her daughter and son-in-law, Frances A. and Neil A. Deacon of Magnolia; a granddaughter, Meaghan (Ryan) and her husband Ariel Gonzalez and her three grandsons, Ariel Jr., Anthony and Austin Gonzalez of Seminole, FL, as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Dorothy was also predeceased by her five sisters, Fannie Perkio, Ellen Perry, Miriam Mullen, Eleanor Langley and Bertha Larsen.
Dorothy's sister Miriam Mullen's daughter, Ann and her husband Pete Silva of Rockport and New Hampshire were especially kind and attentive to Dorothy after her husband died. They always included her in family events and coffee get-togethers over the many years. She was forever touched by their generous spirit.
We are all going to miss her so very much but like she said more than once, “some things are just out of our hands.” God Bless you "Mom" and we will see you again as we travel down the road of life.
In keeping with her wishes, services will be held privately. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Cape Ann Animal Aid, 260 Main St., Gloucester, MA 01930.