Agnes O’Mara Ryan, 89, daughter of the late John O’Mara, MD and Avelline Garrity O’Mara, died peacefully and naturally at her home in Long Branch on Monday, November 27^th, surrounded by loved ones.

Agnes was born in Jersey City and raised in Spring Lake. Mrs. Ryan was a graduate of Georgian Court College where she earned her BA degree. She taught elementary school for several years before marrying her devoted husband of nearly 55 years, Walter M. Ryan, MD. As their family grew, they moved to West Long Branch to raise their five children. Later, they settled in to an oceanside condo to spend their golden years together.

Mrs. Ryan was a longtime member of Takanassee Beach Club, where she spent countless summer days sitting near the water with her family and friends while enjoying the warm sunshine. As a cherished member of Deal Golf & Country Club, Agnes attended weekly luncheons with her dear friends for years after she retired from the Club’s Ladies’ 9-Hole Golf League. She greatly appreciated the friendships and social aspects of the golf community.

Much of her winters were spent at Okemo Mt., where the Ryan family loved to ski, downhill and cross-country, and occasionally snowshoe. When in VT, Agnes enjoyed hosting close friends at their condo, attending apres-ski activities, or playing golf in the autumn and visiting fall foliage craft fairs and festivals.

Agnes was notorious for reading in her favorite chair, especially mysteries. She was a keen observer, cleverly predicting the plots in novels she read, and eagerly called out answers during one of her favorite TV shows, Jeopardy. She often played cards and word games with her grandchildren, and she did not hold back against any opponent, young or old! She was known as the family’s Scrabble game champion.

Agnes and Walter, known lovingly as “MomMom” and “PopPop” to their grandchildren, would often travel together, turning family visits into trips. The Ryans arranged a few annual vacations at various warm weather destinations for themselves, their children and their families to spend time together, being active, and even competing at times, among the three generations. Agnes found immense satisfaction and pleasure simply being with her loved ones immersed in laughter and celebration as everyone had a good time.

She was a woman of few words when she wanted to be, and bold, witty, and clever at her best – a woman of strength, wisdom, and wit, her quiet presence often spoke for itself. And when she sent her annual birthday cards to each of her grandchildren, Agnes liked to use her traditional signature line: hugs & kisses, MomMom XO.

Agnes was pre-deceased by her beloved husband, Walter, in 2013, and her sister, Corita O’Mara Ellner in 1995.

Agnes is survived by her five children: Mara Ryan Eckert and her husband Guy (Long Branch, NJ); CC Ryan Shay and her husband Rodger (Miami, FL); Dr. Walter M. Ryan, III and his wife Jenni (Boca Raton, FL);  Megan Ryan MacMullin and her husband Tom (Concord, NH); and Siobhan Ryan (Milford, CT); and her 12 grandchildren: Emma and Sydney Eckert; Ryan, Morgan and David Shay, Walter Matthew IV and Liam Ryan, Brigit Ryan and her husband Mitchell Shedd; Maggie, Katie, and Thomas MacMullin; and Aidan Ryan Quirk. Her family will be reminded of her regularly when spotting one of her simple pleasures like French toast, Pepsi, a Jeopardy episode, or a cozy sweater.

Mass of Christian burial will be Friday, December 22^nd, 10 am at St. Catharine RC Church, 215 Essex Avenue, Spring Lake. Interment will follow at St. Catharine Cemetery, Sea Girt.

To share a favorite memory or send a message of condolence to Mrs. Ryan’s family, please visit her page of tributes www.woolleyboglioli.com.