Edythe Wright Ryan

Edythe Wright Ryan, 83, of Cape Coral, formerly of Hamden, Conn., and Montauk, N.Y., passed away peacefully Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008, surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born Nov. 17, 1924, in Newport, R.I., to Capt. Harold R. Wright and Edith Burgess Wright.

She enjoyed her time spent working in the Hamden Public Library as well as her summers at Pier Group Montauk. She had a lifelong commitment to volunteer service, especially The American Red Cross and The March of Dimes. Upon moving to Cape Coral, she served for 10 years as a volunteer at Cape Coral Hospital.

Her life was devoted to the care of her family, including her loving husband of 63 years, Thomas J. Ryan Jr., and devoted daughters, Sheila (Peter) Wilkinson, Wendy (Chip) Duryea, Cheryl Volo and Jackie Ryan. She was beloved “Muffy” to her grandchildren, Peter (Michelle) and Matthew (Jessica) Wilkinson, Amy (Travis) Duryea-Kelly and Erica (fiance Eoin Cunningham) Duryea, Ryan Wright, Jamie and Lindsey Butler, Ricky and Zachary Volo and Paige Ryan.

She rejoiced in the birth of her first great-grandchildren, Christian William Duryea-Kelly.

Her family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the Hope Hospice Home care team 320, especially Nurse Jackie.

Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Saturday at Coral Ridge Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Donations in her memory can be made to Hope Hospice, 9470 Health Park Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908.