Sister Teresita Ryan (Sinead Ryan) was born in Mitchelstown, County Cork, Ireland on April 24, 1918. She was daughter of William J. Ryan and Julia (O’Donoghue) Ryan. She entered the Novitiate in Loreto Convent, Navan, County Meath, Ireland in 1936, and during her years in Navan, she served as High-school principal, and subsequently, in Mullingar, also Diocese of Meath, she served as Principal of Loreto High-school there. She was an excellent administrator, and with her exceptional musical ability, she brought both of those schools to a high level in choir and musical performance. Sister Teresita held Masters degrees from National University of Ireland with majors in Latin, French and Gaelic and she also held high-proficiency diplomas in music. In 1975 she came to Phoenix to join the community of Loreto Sisters at Ss. Simon and Jude Convent and Catholic School. Her musical talent and expertise and her silver soprano voice were put to use as she taught singing and directed musical performances at the parish school, and, also, for some years, she directed the parish choir. In her retirement, she taught Latin, an elective for 8th grade students at Ss. Simon and Jude School. She also volunteered at St. Joseph’s Hospital, helping with newborn babies and also serving as a minister of prayer and Holy Communion for new moms on 4th floor of the hospital. She clocked up over 1,000 hours of service at St. Joseph’s. For some years, also, she delighted the guests at the St. Vincent de Paul Dining Room with her singing and piano playing. Surely she is now being welcomed to join her beautiful voice with the heavenly choirs to sing God’s praises forever. Sister Teresita was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers: Christopher, Michael, Sean, Bill, and Rev. Fr. James OFM Cap., her sisters: Helen, Sheila – a Presentation Sister, and Mary Celine – also a Loreto Sister. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Norah, and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins in Ireland who will mourn her loss, as will all her former students, her Loreto Sisters and the priests and parishioners of Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral. May she live now in the presence of the Lord to Whom she made her commitment in Religious Life 81 years ago. A Visitation will be held from 7:30-9:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:45 p.m., on Tuesday, March 14, 2017 at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral, 6351 N. 27th Avenue, in Phoenix. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral. Interment will follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 2033 N. 48th Street, in Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Loreto Sisters’ Retirement Fund, Ss. Simon & Jude Convent, 6351 N. 27th Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85017. Arrangements entrusted to Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home.
Grace Daly Kerby
So sorry to hear of Sister Teresita’s passing. She was a fine lady with a kind heart. She will surely be missed.
Amy (Dubasik) Marks
So many memories of school plays and Choir at Saints Simon and Jude with Sister Teresita. I had Mrs. Buckner in 5th grade and Sister Teresita taught us Religion classes. May you Rest in Eternal Peace. God Bless!!!
Posey Moore Nash
Rest in perfect peace…
The Lyddon Family
Our deepest Condolences. She was a sweet lady. May she Rest In Peace.
Brian
She was a great music teacher at St. Simon and Jude. Hard to believe that was over 25 years ago now. Rest In Peace Sister Teresita.
MARY BARRETT
MAY SHE REST IN PEACE
Betty Moreno
Sr. Teresita’s passing will be a huge loss for the entire SS. Simon and Jude community, especially her own Loreto Sisters family. Having been part of the faculty and parish family for over 50 years, I personally will miss her smiling face and words of wisdom. We have another saint in heaven.
Jilanne Rose
I was fortunate enough to be one of Sister Teresita’s many students. Memories of her bring a smile to my face. We were blessed to have her!
Catherine Huffman
Condolences from the Harold Huffman family. Sister was a gem and was frequently remembered.
Bob Gill
Sister Teresita was a gift to anyone blessed to know her. She taught me that “singing is praying times two” and heaven is now richer by her presence.
betty jenkins
Rest in peace , Sr. T., and thank you.
Marge Garguilo
A loss for us but i am sure God is giving her a welcome hug and singing with her. God doesn’t take people we love but welcomes them with open arms into heaven!❤
Danielle Burr
She is home with Jesus! All any of us could ever want. Such a legacy she leaves behind in the hearts of her students and the community of Ss. Simon & Jude. May she rest in her eternal reward. Well done good and faithful servant ❤️
Larry Billar
See you in Heaven, dear Sister Teresita. We will continue our discussions of the history of the Irish Struggle at that time. Until then, I will continue to honor your memory and remember the blessing you were to my family these past nearly thirty years. God’s Mercy and Solace upon the IBVM Sisters during this time of loss.
mary briody
Rest in peace Sr Teresita from one of your former students in Mullingar loreto convent ireland thanks for all the memories and kindness showen to me
Fr Liam Kelleher
Sincere sympathy to all the family from Fr Liam Kelleher Cobh Ireland loved my visits the last in January this year
May her gentle soul rest in peace
My thoughts and prayers are with you
Mary Baird
What a sweet and kind human being. She is now singing with the angels and in the loving arms of our Lord.
Sherry Blackburn Perry
She taught music while I was at SS&J. She ministered to so many! Praying for her family.
Angela Abraham Mills
I can think of no one better to help with newborn babies. While she was a tough music teacher in the late 70’s/early 80’s, she brought me out of my shell. I suppose this was part of her plan and she executed it brilliantly. I have seen her many times since I graduated from SSJ in 1985 and she always remembered me. I will always remember her as well until the day I see her again in Heaven. She was kind, gentle and sincere. Thank you Sr. T for being part of the fabric of who I am. Until we meet again, much love to you. And thank you. ❤️
Karen Merrick
To Sr. Teresita’s family, religious family & friends, what a fabulous lady and life she led. She touched so many people. I didn’t know her but on reading her obituary I’m touched and I’m sure she’ll be missed but more importantly remembered with great pride and memories, may she Rest in Peace x.
Lillian Habeich
I have many fond memories of Sr. Teresita, both as a student of hers at Ss. Simon & Jude, and later as an adult and colleague at the school. As a child, she taught us about the countries of Africa and the rivers there. While I was dutifully memorizing names of very far away places, the Irish lilt and kind demeanor of these wonderful Loreto Sisters were actually shaping my future. I became incredibly curious about my world beyond Phoenix, have since traveled around it, and now teach international business locally.
Later, as an adult, when my faith in a supreme being was tested, her steadfast and abiding love of God, helped me to see this too. Thank you so much, Sr. Teresita, for your presence on this Earth, and the effect you have had on others, while you were here. Your wonderful legacy will continue!
Mike and Pattie Figueroa
Dear Sister Teresita Thank You Sister for that Beautiful Smile you showed every time you greeted others we will miss your LOVE. Thank You God for blessing us with such a beautiful woman inside and out!!!!!!!!
LIsa Weiland Ashton
Every time I hear the Sound of Music I think of her.