Obituary of Josephine Frances Ryan

Ryan, Josephine Francis Died in Mississauga, on May 1, following a stroke. Survived by loving companion Bud Emberson, children Nina Christine Hansen, John (Debbie), Stephen (Carol Ann) and Mark (Jacinta), grandchildren Rowan, Alex , Benjamin, Anna Joy, Colin and Josephine. Pre-deceased by Benjamin Rowan Ryan, David Palmer, sister Meg Daniels and grandson Sean Ryan.Born in Manchester, UK where she met and married Ben. They emigrated to Canada in 1959 where they raised their four children in Sarnia. Josephine was a teacher, not only by profession, but by nature. From primary school to community college, she showed such faith in her students, and they had such faith in her that they found faith in themselves. As a teacher of English as a Second Language, Josephine was the embodiment of what this country could offer to hundreds of new Canadians. Encouraging, respectful and confident in what they could achieve, she helped her students to believe in the opportunities and understand the obligations that come with living in this country. Josephine was a writer. Published and produced in print, on stage and broadcast she had much to be proud of . But among all of her creative accomplishments what brought her greatest pride were the friends she acquired through writing. In a long, adventurous and colourful life the word that Jo would most like to be remembered for is "Family". A word that includes not only her children but countless friends, students, high achievers and lost souls all of whom had one certainty in their lives... that Josephine cared for them, believed in them, and would always have time to take tea with them. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Sean Ryan Children's Fund, a registered charity established by Josephine to provide respite care to families caring for children with long-term illness or a charity of your choice. Visitation Friday, May 6, 2-4 and 7-9 PM at John T. Donohue Funeral Home, 362 Waterloo Street, London ON. Funeral Mass Saturday, May 7, 12 Noon, St. Justin's Catholic Church, 855 Jalna Blvd., London, ON. Interment, Monday, May 9, at 12 Noon Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery, Michigan Avenue, Sarnia ON.