Obituaries
Obituary for Mary L. Ryia
Edwards- Mary L. Ryia, age 74, of Edwards, passed away at 6:36 AM on Monday, June 28, 2021 at Grand View Alzheimer’s Special Care Center, after a six year battle with Alzheimer’s, with her husband by her side.
Born August 17, 1946, in Peoria, a daughter to Joseph Glen and Eleanor (Pearson) Burnham. On August 22, 1970, she married Roger Ryia in Peoria and together they cherished 50 years together. Mary attended Bradley University for a short time after high school until beginning her career with Glencoe-McGraw Hill. Having lived with Epilepsy for most of her life, despite the challenges she faced Mary succeeded in her career to the point of becoming the Assistant Advertising Coordinator. She was an avid reader who enjoyed working on crossword puzzles and loved arts and crafts, especially needle point and crocheting. At a younger age she was actively involved in 4-H where she took home numerous awards for her baking and floral skills. As Mary became older, she developed a love for traveling with her husband, having traveled to 6 of the 7 continents. She worked as an election judge for many years, loved working the Cursillo kitchen on Sundays, wrote numerous poems, and even achieved the level of black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Most importantly Mary was a devout wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister who cherished her family. She lived life selflessly, always seeking out those who needed help, never knowing a stranger. She was dearly loved, and her vivacious spirit will be deeply missed.
Survivors include her husband Roger of Edwards; one son Michael (Theresa) Ryia of German Valley, IL; two stepchildren: Joani Aspholm of Edwards and Joseph Ryia of Pekin;ten grandchildren: Jessica, Amber, Damien, Alex, Christian, Kinsley, Ellie, Isaac , Aaron and Bethany; three great-grandchildren: Byron, Nevaeh and Zamir; two sisters: Janice Boundy of Tremont and Pamela Kinnamon of Tremont; one brother Joseph (Janet) Burnham of Dunlap, as well as, numerous nieces and nephews.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, stepsister Jeanne Gift and two stepchildren: Mary Kathleen Ryia and James Daniel Ryia.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, at 10:00 AM at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Father Chris Haake will officiate, and burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery.
Memorials in Mary’s memory may be made to Walk to End Alzheimer’s: Guys and Gals Team or St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.
Friends may sign the online guestbook by logging onto www.wrightandsalmon.com.
Previous Events
Funeral Mass
Wednesday
7
Jul
10:00 AM
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church
6001 N University St
Peoria, IL 61614
Cemetery Details
Location
Resurrection Cemetery & Mausoleum
7519 N Allen Rd
Peoria, IL 61614
Memorial Contribution
Walk to end Alzheimer's: Guys & Gals Team
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