Sandra Jean (Maynard) Ryan

Sometimes I only need to stand wherever I am to be blessed – Mary Oliver

Cumberland – Sandra Maynard Ryan, 77, of Cumberland passed away peacefully May 22nd at home surrounded by love, family and friends.  She was the daughter of the late Vincent Maynard and the late Jean Bray Dunbar of Pawtucket, RI.

Sandra’s energetic essence and contagious outlook was admired by all who knew her. Above all she cherished her family. Sandra shared her life with her devoted husband Jeremiah F. Ryan, Jr for 54 years.  In addition to her husband she is survived by her four loving children, Jeremiah Ryan, III (Jylle) of Superior, CO, Mary Jane Staples (George) of Middletown, John Ryan (Robin) of Lincoln; Shannon Rebelo (Dennis) of Wakefield; three sisters, Sheila Kirby of Reading, VT, Susan Maynard of East Providence and Mary Ann Staab of Warren; three brothers, Vincent Maynard of Palm Springs, CA, Russell Maynard of Swansea, MA and Michael Maynard of Pawtucket; her eight grandchildren, Elliot and Dora Ryan, Colin, Luke and Ryan Staples, Jack Ryan, Alex and Abby Rebelo; and many nieces and nephews.

Through her 30 years of work for the Pawtucket School Department, “Mrs. Ryan” inspired generations of students and colleagues at Baldwin Elementary School before retiring in 2008. Her passion for living, learning and sharing knowledge continued well into her retirement years. From biking to trekking through trails to her extensive travel adventures with friends and family, Sandra was an explorer of this world. A true lover of nature, she delighted in the everyday joys of her gardens that she cultivated with Jay at Little Pond.

Her funeral will be held Friday, May 28, 2021 at 8:45am from Bellows Funeral Chapel, 160 River Road, Lincoln with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am in St. John Vianney Church, 3655 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland. Burial will be in Swan Point Cemetery, Providence.

Relatives and friends are invited and may call Thursday from 4-8pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, 200 Niantic Avenue, Providence, RI 02907 or the Cumberland Land Trust, P.O. Box 8011, Cumberland, RI 02864.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sandra Jean (Maynard) Ryan, please visit our floral store.