Mary 'Marlene' (DuRoss) Ryan, 93

HOCKESSIN - Mary "Marlene" (DuRoss) Ryan of Hockessin passed away peacefully Saturday, Oct. 13, 2007, in her home, under the care of Compassionate Care Hospice, surrounded by her loving family. She was 93.

Mrs. Ryan was born March 23, 1914, in Wilmington, daughter of the late Edward and Mary (O'Neal) DuRoss.

After attending Ursuline Academy, she graduated valedictorian from Goldey-Beacom College.

She was secretary for her father's real-estate firm.

Mrs. Ryan was an active member of St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, the Resurrection Choir, the church choir, the Lazarus Group and the Altar Society. She also was a member of the Diocesan Choir and a volunteer for activities throughout the state.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, J. Edward Ryan Sr.; and a son-in-law, James Maxwell.

She is survived, and will be missed, by three daughters and two sons-in-law, Anne Marie (Ryan) Maxwell of Wilmington, Eileen (Ryan) and William McMillen of California, and K. Ryan and Charles Brown of Milford; four sons and two daughters-in-law, Edward and Ann Ryan of Wilmington, Joseph and Patricia Ryan of Hockessin, Bernard Ryan of Wilmington and Patrick Ryan of Hockessin; 14 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Pike Creek.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10 a.m. Wednesday in St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 7200 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin.

Burial will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Ashland.

Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Mary of the Assumption Church Lazarus Group, 7200 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707.

To send online condolences, visit www.dohertyfh.com.