Deborah L. Ryan

Deborah L. Ryan, 76, of Coudersport was surrounded by love when she transitioned to eternal life Thursday (Nov. 21, 2024) at UPMC Cole Memorial Hospital, after a heroic 6-year battle with frontotemporal dementia. Debbie was born Sept. 3, 1948, in St. Marys to the late Patrick and Dorothy Lewis of Emporium. She enjoyed childhood adventures in Cameron County with her bestie, Judy Boyer. As a teenager, Debbie worked at her family's store, Pat's Grocery, led children's activities at the recreational park and was a highly sought-after babysitter. She was on the cheerleading squad and in the gymnastics club, and proudly accepted the title of "Class Clown" of 1966. She attended Clarion State Teachers College, where she was a resident assistant and honed her canasta skills while earning a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education with a concentration in physical education.

On June 27, 1970, one day after taking her final college exams, she married her high school sweetheart, best friend and love of her life, Pete Ryan, at St. Mark's Catholic Church, Emporium. Their marriage of 54 years was an example of resiliency, as they showed each other grace, love and support, even in the most difficult times. Debbie found great joy in being the mother of three children, whom she adored. Debbie lived out her purpose by taking care of others with kindness, compassion and quiet generosity. She was quick to find connections, especially with those in need. She had the "gift of gab" and lived as if it was her job to make other people feel special. Service to the Coudersport community was her passion. She volunteered at Cole Memorial in the gift shop and in the long-term care unit, and at Hillman Cancer Center, formally known as the Patterson Cancer Center, where she enjoyed giving comfort and laughter to the patients and was fondly referred to as the "Organizational Queen" by the nurses.

She spent time at the Coudersport Senior Center where she called bingo, played cards and brought joy to everyone there. Debbie volunteered for over 22 years delivering Meals on Wheels with women of the Episcopal Church and her good friend, Moree Haskins.

 As a faithful member of Christ Episcopal church, she served on the Altar Guild, was a Sunday school teacher and participated in the Episcopal Church Women's group. She supported the interests of her children by becoming a member of the Sports Boosters and spent countless hours in the concession stand at football games and track meets. Debbie served on the Coudersport School Board during the construction of Vine Street Elementary School.

Debbie is survived by her loving husband, Dr. Peter C. Ryan; daughters, Erin Ryan (Jon Vella) and Katlin Butz (Rod Butz); grandchildren, Brett, Mitch and Kyle Vanden Heuvel and Patrick and Allison Butz; great-granddaughter Holly Vanden Heuvel; and siblings, Patrick Lewis Jr. (Andrea Lewis) and Kathie Sinner; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Dorothy and Patrick Lewis, she was preceded in death by her beloved son, Patrick; and brother-in-law, Jim Sinner. 

Debbie was a living legacy of kindness, love, compassion and generosity. 

She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, community and all who knew her. 

A memorial service is planned for the spring and will be held at Christ Episcopal Church in Coudersport, under direction of Fickinger Funeral Home.

 Memorial donations may be directed to the Patrick W. Ryan Creative Writing and English Scholarship Fund, Community Foundation for the Twin Tiers, 104 N. West Lockhart St., Sayre, PA 18840; the Coudersport Senior Center/Meals on Wheels, 200 Chestnut St., Coudersport, PA 16915; or the Cole Foundation, 1001 E. Second St., Coudersport, PA 16915.

To share a memory or condolence with her family, visit thomasfickinger.com.