"A Classy Lady"
Helen G. Ryan
1/28/28 - 4/12/20

On Easter Sunday, Helen Ryan passed away peacefully after a brief illness. Helen was the beloved daughter of Helen and Ronald Griffin and the loving wife of William A. Ryan, who passed on in 2014. She was a loyal sister to Mary Griffin (deceased) and the proud mother of Kathleen Maxwell (Walter) and William Ryan (Janet). She was adored by her grandchildren, Ryan Maxwell (Kate), Kristen Capobianco (Richard) and Will Ryan. Her five great grandchildren, Anna, Claire, Celia, Matthew and Richard lovingly called her "Gigi" and brought pure joy to her life.

Helen was born and raised in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn and attended St. Joseph's H.S., where she never missed a reunion. Helen and Bill were married for 66 years and she lived in the same Dyker Heights house for the past 60 years. She worked at Marine Midland Bank and was retired from J.P. Morgan, where she served as the administrative assistant to the Board of Directors. Helen was a summer resident of her favorite place, Breezy Point, and her family lived in one of the first two-story bungalows on Ocean Avenue. She was an active member of the
Golden Age Club and with her husband Bill, danced the night away at all of Breezy's social functions. What she loved most was chatting with her many friends and neighbors up in front of the stores on any given day. She also enjoyed attending the "Young at Heart"meetings with her sister, Mary, at St Anselm's church and was best known for spending her Saturdays at Pilo Arts.

A memorial mass and celebration of Helen's life will be held at St. Thomas More Church in July. Burial arrangements were entrusted to Clavin Funeral Home, where condolence messages can be left on their website. Helen will be buried at St John's Cemetery in a private ceremony on Saturday, April 18, 2020.

In lieu of flowers,donations can be made in Helen's name to:
The Rockaway Point Volunteer Ambulance Corps
204-26 Rockaway Pt. Blvd.
Breezy Point, NY 11697

Thank you for your outpouring of love and support during this difficult time!