Miriam J. Ryan, 78, of Marion, died Friday, June 14, 2013, at the Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, Hiawatha. Memorial Service: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 19, 2013, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Marion, by Rev. David O’Connor. The family will greet friends from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18, 2013, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Marion. Inurnment will take place at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.
Miriam is survived by four children, Sue Ryan-Anderson of Marion, Michael (moe.) Ryan, of Marion, Kim Ryan, of Iowa City, and Thomas Ryan of Marion. Also surviving are Paul (Maureen) Ryan; three grandchildren, Matthew Anderson, Elisabeth Ryan, and Levi Ryan; many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and several dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Helen Moeller; two brothers, Neil Scott and Jeff Maillie.
Miriam was born May 11, 1935, the daughter of James and Alice (Barker) Maillie in Oelwein, Iowa. Miriam was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marion. She was also a member of the musical literary club and volunteered at the Marion Public Library, where she served on the board.
She often said, “I love my life!” She also had a love affair with words, books, grammar, history, politics, and puzzles of all kinds. Miriam brought her “zest” for life to all who knew her.