Edna Patricia Ryan passed away peacefully on June 27, 2026, following a brief illness, with her loving family by her side.

Edna was born on September 4, 1930, in New Haven, Connecticut, to the late Frank and Helen Gehrke. She was the youngest of three children and is survived by her beloved sister, Bernice Dohna of San Diego, California. She was predeceased by her brother, John Gehrke.

Edna graduated from Hamden High School and went on to earn her degree from the University of Pennsylvania. On August 19, 1954, she married the love of her life, John Russell “Russ” Ryan. Together they built a loving home in Hamden, Connecticut, where they raised their four children: Stephen Russell Ryan (Nancy) of Wallingford, Connecticut; Sharon Ryan Reichart (Glenn) of Mystic, Connecticut; Cynthia Ryan Ferrick (David) of Kennebunk, Maine; and Christine Ryan Cassarino (Jeffrey) of Mystic, Connecticut.

After Russ’s passing in 1975, Edna courageously raised their four children on her own while continuing her career as a dental hygienist, a profession she faithfully served for more than 30 years.

A woman of unwavering faith, Edna attended virtual Mass daily and was a longtime parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Hamden. In her younger years, she was also an active member of the Legion of Mary and sang in the choir at St. Joan of Arc Parish. Later in life, after moving to a condominium community, she embraced the opportunity to build new friendships. She became an active member of the condominium association board and enjoyed organizing social events that brought neighbors together. Her friendships were among life’s greatest treasures, and she loved traveling, sharing stories, and creating lasting memories with those she held dear. She had a gift for listening and was a source of comfort, kindness, and encouragement to so many.

In addition to her children and their spouses, Edna is survived by her cherished nine grandchildren: Keaton Ryan; James Ryan (Rhee); Craig Ryan; Elizabeth Reichart Douglass (John); Alexander Reichart; Andrew Ferrick (Meaghan); Allison Ferrick; Nicholas Cassarino (Nicole); and Kevin Cassarino. She was also the proud great-grandmother of Kaylee Ryan, Connor Ryan, Rowan Ryan, Jack Ryan, Cameron Ryan, Leo Cassarino, Mia Cassarino, and Amelia Ferrick.

She is also survived by her sister, Bernice Dohna; her sister-in-law, Eleanor Gehrke; and several nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Beth Ryan, whose companionship and friendship over the past two years brought Edna great joy. Edna treasured the time they spent together, sharing stories, laughter, and memories. They shared a truly special bond.

Edna will be remembered for her warm heart, enduring friendships, easy laugh, quick wit, and genuine interest in others. She never forgot a birthday or special occasion, faithfully sending cards to those she loved. She enjoyed reading a good book, reading the WSJ daily, playing board games, sharing funny stories, eating lobster rolls along the New England shoreline, and spending time with family and friends. Above all, she will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and compassion-especially toward those in need.

Her legacy of love, faith, resilience, and devotion to family will live on in all who knew and loved her.

Friends may visit with Edna's family on July 8, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Ave, Hamden. Her Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:30 a.m. at St. Paul the VI Parish / Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 2819 Whitney Ave. Hamden. Burial will take place in All Saints Cemetery, North Haven. Contributions in Edna's memory may be made to the Boy Scout Troop #610, C/O William Earley, 20 Washington Court, Hamden, CT 06518. To send a condolence to her family please see: www.beecherandbennett.com