Had a love for teaching and children
READING — Patricia A. (Ryder) Hansen, 77, of Reading and formerly of Wakefield passed away on Thursday, January 6, 2022.
Patricia was born in Melrose, the daughter of the late Francis and Mary (Landry) Ryder.
Tisha was raised in Wakefield and was a graduate of Wakefield High School, Class of 1962. She went on to graduate from Mass Bay Community College and Salem State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree. She would later earn two master’s degrees in Mathematics and Education from Salem State University. Pat’s early years included living and working on Kwajalein Island in the Pacific Ocean on a US missile defense program, scuba diving, obtaining her private airplane pilot license, and working at the University of Florida, Gainesville. Her life in New England included a career as a Software Engineer for the former Wang Corporation in Lowell. Later she pursued a second career in education, where she shared her love for teaching and children. Patti spent ten years as an educator at Salem Academy Charter School before retiring. Her active retirement was filled with travel, golf, painting, pottery, volunteering, working out, and spending time with family and many close, loving friends.
Patricia was the loving sister of William Ryder of Wakefield and Charles Ryder and wife, Valerie, of Walpole. Tisha was the devoted aunt of Kevin Ryder and wife, Kim; Kristina DeMala and husband, Anthony; Matthew Ryder and wife, Kate; Jason Ryder and the late Kimberly Cresta. She was the beloved foster mother to Paige Mello and Nana to her son Grayson. She was the loving great aunt to Kathleen Ricci, Susanne Deloge, Anthony Cresta, Amanda Brennan, Nicole England, Emma Ryder, Ben Ryder, Sam Ryder, and Adam Ryder and a great-great aunt to Luke Mehlman, Hayley Deloge, William Brennan, and Sonoma Brennan. Pat will be deeply missed by all who loved her.
Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Tuesday from 3-7 p.m. A graveside service will be held at the Forest Glade Cemetery, Lowell Street Wakefield on Wednesday at 11 a.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
For guestbook, please go to: www.mcdonaldfs.com.
