Blanche Dickinson Ryan, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on Saturday June 27, 2026.
Born on July 12, 1927 and raised in Rye, NY, Blanche was the only child of Arthur Dickinson and Blanche Lynch Dickinson. She graduated from Ursuline High School and The College of New Rochelle, majoring in English. She met her future husband, George G. Ryan, on a train while commuting to college.
After she worked at B. Altman in Manhattan as part of the “Flying Squad 9” training program, Blanche and George married at The Church of the Resurrection on January 14, 1950. The couple eventually settled in White Plains, NY where they raised eight children, sending each to college.
Upon George’s retirement from his NYC-based insurance brokerage firm, the couple moved to Boynton Beach, Florida, welcoming their children and grandchildren on frequent visits and joyfully celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.
Blanche volunteered at her church, as well as school and community organizations. She walked in local department store fashion shows, traveled to Europe with her husband, and honed her tennis, paddle tennis and golf game when she found time. She enjoyed the games of bridge and Scrabble, demonstrating her keen competitive instincts and loved to laugh and dance with her cherished friends. She instilled in her children a love of reading, music, and time in nature.
Her Catholic faith sustained her throughout life’s trials and rewards.
She is survived by her devoted children: Constance Ryan Alesse (Mark) of Hampton Falls, NH, Hope C. Ryan of Monroe, CT, Stephen J. Ryan (Mary Broderick) of White Plains, NY, Peter J. Ryan (Mary Curtin) of Armonk, NY, Kathleen Ryan LiCastri (Phillip) of Easton, CT, and Ellen P. Ryan (Randall Mason) of Philadelphia, PA and daughter-in-law Dr. Madeleine B. Ryan of Glen, NH, as well as fifteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 60 years, George G. Ryan in 2010, and her sons George G. Ryan, Jr. in 2022 and David D. Ryan in 1977.
Blanche’s family extends their thanks to the staff of The Osborn in Rye and Lorna, Angella, Lurline and Purnell for their extraordinary devotion to her.
Services will be held at the Graham Funeral Home and Church of the Resurrection, both in Rye, NY on July 9, 2026.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Blanche’s name to Church of the Resurrection, the ALS Association or National Parkinson Foundation.
