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Sonia Ryan, 83, of Wareham, MA passed away Monday, February 13, 2023, at Cornerstone in Milford, MA.
Born in Rawtenstall, England, she later traveled to the United States spending her 7th birthday on the ship with her mother Joyce Levasseur (Stelfox) and her siblings. After raising three children in Natick with her husband, the late Gerard John Ryan, she pursued her lifelong dream to become a social worker. She returned to school and received a B.A. in Psychology from Regis College and a Master of Social Work Degree from Simmons College, ultimately obtaining her LICSW and Certified Alcoholism Counselor (CAC) credentials.
Sonia relished her work as a social worker for over 30 years at Framingham Youth Guidance, Metrowest Youth Guidance Center, Wayside Metrowest Counseling Center and later in private practice. She enjoyed helping others resolve their challenges and live their lives to their fullest capacity, saying, “I have been fortunate to do the work I do. I am never bored. I love what I do.” She was committed to helping people in all aspects of her life and in every way that she could.
She served as a Girl Scout leader for Troop 288 of Natick for many years starting when her daughter was a Brownie. She was an avid reader and artist, enjoying crafts and painting including tole painting on furniture. She enjoyed traveling with her church group and friends and was active in churches in Sherborn and Marion.
Sonia loved spending time with her family and grandchildren and was always so proud of their accomplishments. Her family and friends were her greatest joy and she cherished gathering them for events such as holidays and celebrations. She spent many summers in Parkwood Beach with her family and loved having friends over to her house for dinner and singalongs around the piano with her dear friend Joan Brack playing. She retired to Parkwood Beach to be close to the beach, where she enjoyed combing for seashells.
She is survived by her three children, Gerard J. Ryan, Jr. and his wife Maricel of Costa Rica, Robin Ryan Marquez and her husband Albert of MA, and Kevin B. Ryan and his wife Emily of MA, a brother, Conrad Levasseur of CA, a sister, Carol Meymaris of MA, her many beloved grandchildren, three nieces and two nephews.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2023, from 10-11AM, at the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, Natick Common, 4 Park St., Natick, immediately followed by the funeral service at 11AM, also at John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park St., Natick. Burial will follow the service and take place at The Gardens Cemetery Gethsemane, 670 Baker St., Boston, MA.
Donations which may be made in lieu of flowers, may be made to:
Arthritis Foundation
Local Chapter
29 Crafts Street, Newton, MA 02549
To donate: https://www.arthritis.org/home
Salvation Army
https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/
1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)
Local Family Store:
3074 Cranberry Highway
Route 6
East Wareham 02538
Non-Profit Wings To Health, Inc. www.wingstohealth.org
Checks should be made out to nonprofit 501c3 public charity:
Wings To Health, Inc.
With notation in memory of Sonia Ryan
Send to:
Wings To Health, Inc.
148 Linden Street, Suite #103
Wellesley, MA 02482
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Sonia Ryan, please visit our Tree Store.