Gail M. Ryan

LEICESTER – Gail M. (Cousineau) Ryan, 81, died Sunday, December 31, 2023, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, after a courageous battle with cancer.  She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Deacon Peter Ryan; two sons, James T. Ryan and his fiancée Melinda Engel of Auburn, and Eric M. Ryan and his wife Corinne of Washington; five grandchildren, Shawna R. Ryan and her companion Suraj Patel of Worcester, Adam J. Ryan of Leicester, Sara E. Ryan of Leicester, Rebecca N. Engel of Auburn, and Maxwell B. Engel of Auburn; several nephews and nieces; and her beloved cat, Pandy.  She was predeceased by a brother, James Cousineau; and a sister, Joyce Cousineau.  She was born in Worcester, daughter of the late Frederick T. and Florence M. (Loosemore) Cousineau, and lived in Leicester for 43 years before recently moving to Auburn.  She graduated from David Hale Fanning School in Worcester in 1961.

Mrs. Ryan was a data entry operator for Health Plans Inc. in Westborough for 21 years, retiring in 2015.  She was also the family coordinator for the Diaconate Program for the Diocese of Worcester, and did marriage preparation with her husband for the church.  She was a member of St. Aloysius/St. Jude Parish in Leicester.

Mrs. Ryan enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and loved to travel, especially on cruises.  She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, who was affectionately known as Mimi to her grandchildren.

A funeral Mass will be held at 12 noon on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at St. Aloysius/St. Jude Parish, 489 Pleasant Street, Leicester.  Burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton.  Calling hours are Thursday from 10:15 a.m. -11:45 a.m. at St. Aloysius/St. Jude Parish in Leicester, prior to the Mass.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/The Jimmy Fund, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284.