Theresa "Tess" Arlene Ryan

Brandon – Theresa “Tess” Arlene Ryan, age 92, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 23, 2025, surrounded by her loving family in “The Estuary” at Porter Medical Center in Middlebury. She was the beloved wife of Allen Gordon “AG” Ryan (d. March 18, 2017), mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many.

Tess was born on October 20, 1932.  She was the daughter of Helen (Goodspeed) and William Donovan.  She grew up in Shoreham where she attended school.  For many years, Tess was employed at the Grand Union in Middlebury and Hannaford’s Supermarkets in Brandon.  She loved her job and enjoyed interacting with her customers, many of whom chose her checkout line every time! 

In addition to gardening and knitting, Tess appreciated a good football game or Sunday race.  While they sat beside her in her final days, her family told many stories about growing up and Sundays at their house. You could find Tess cooking all day without any idea if she would be feeding 5 people or 20. It didn’t matter, she was ready and nobody left hungry.  She loved her pool and every animal that she met!

Tess is survived by her children: Janice Ryan of Rutland, Jack Ryan of Crystal River, FL, Wayne Ryan (Jane) of Rockingham, Allison Martin (John) of Manchester, NH, Laurie Corliss (Dean) of Pembroke, NH, Allen Ryan, Jr of Hubbardton, Timothy Ryan (Amey) of Leicester and Jennifer Ryan of Manchester, NH; a sister, Kathleen Donovan (Edward Kast) of Richmond, VA and a brother, Timothy Donovan (Bonnie) of Middlebury; grandchildren: Joseph, Kristen, Rachel, Kelly, Chris, Heather, Jessie, Jason, Colleen, Jillian, Tessa, Tiara; great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. She is also survived by her husband’s siblings: Clayton, Judy and Barbara.  Lastly, she is survived by her beloved cat, Tia, who will stay in the family and be loved just the same. She was predeceased by her husband, her parents, a sister, Mary, and a brother, William, Jr.

Friends may call at the Miller & Ketcham Funeral Home in Brandon on Thursday, February 27, 2025, from 3-6 PM.

A Mass will be celebrated at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Middlebury on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 10 AM – the day that would have been their 76th wedding anniversary. 

Tess will be laid to rest this spring at Saint Genevieve Cemetery next to the love of her life.

The family would like to express our gratitude to the kind and loving nurses and doctors on the Palliative Care Team at Porter Medical Center who cared for her heart with theirs.

Memorial gifts may be made in her memory to Homeward Bound, 236 Boardman St, Middlebury, VT  05753, or to the Brandon Area Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 232, Brandon, VT  05733.