MELROSE — Karen M. (Irvin) Ryan, a 38-year resident of Melrose and formerly of Charlestown, entered into eternal life on Friday, Jan. 16, at her home in Melrose following an extended illness. She was 63 years old.
Karen was born in Boston on March 22, 1951, a daughter of the late William F. and Helen C. (McLaughlin) Irvin. She grew up in Charlestown where she was educated in the Boston Public School system and graduated from Charlestown High School in 1970.
Karen worked at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston as an administrator for several departments throughout the hospital and retired a couple of years ago after 42 years of dedicated service.
She was a former member of the Majestic Knights Drum & Bugle Corps in Charlestown and she also enjoyed shopping.
Karen was the beloved wife of 40 years to John F. Ryan. She was the devoted mother of Michelle C. Ryan of Melrose and Sean Ryan of Melrose. She was the loving Nana to Lilly Karen Ranucci. She was the beloved sister of William Irvin and his wife Catherine of Melrose, Dennis Irvin and his wife Ellen of Malden, Edward Irvin and his wife Patricia of Wakefield, Pamela Irvin of Melrose, Jeffrey Irvin and his wife Janelle of Stoneham and McKenzie Irvin of Squantum. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.
Relatives and friends were invited to attend Karen’s Funeral on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015 at 9:15 a.m. from The Carr Funeral Home, 1159 Main St., Melrose, followed by her funeral Mass in St. Mary Church (corner of Myrtle and Herbert streets) Melrose at 10:30 a.m. Her burial will be at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park in Peabody.
Visiting hours were on Tuesday, Jan. 20, from 4 to 8 p.m. in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a memorial donation in Karen’s name to Hallmark Health Hospice, 178 Savin St., Suite 300, Malden MA 02148.
To send a message of condolence, please visit www.CarrFuneral.com.
