Entered Life:  April 24, 1918
Entered Religious Life:  October 11, 1936  
Entered Eternal Life:  March 12, 2017

“To Jesus Through Mary”

Sister Teresita Ryan (Sinead Ryan) was born in Mitchelstown, County Cork, Ireland on April 24, 1918. She was the daughter of William J. Ryan and Julia (O’Donoghue) Ryan. She was one of nine children – four of whom were dedicated to the Lord’s service: two Loreto Sisters – Sr. Teresita and Sr. Celine, a Presentation sister, Sr. Sheila, and Fr. James, OFM Cap. 

Teresita entered the novitiate in Loreto Convent, Navan, County Meath, Ireland in 1936. She served as principal at Loreto high schools in Navan and Mullingar. She was an excellent adminstrator, and with her exceptional musical ability, she brought both of these schools to a highl level in choir and musical performance. 

In 1975, Sr. Teresita came to Arizona and joined the Loreto Sisters working at SS. Simon and Jude School and Parish in Phoenix. As a principal, she had a personal interest in each student – always trying to bring out the best in each one. Students could reminisce about the guided meditations she would give to a full study-hall of students totally wrapped in deep reverent silence. Her musical ability was appreciated in the school setting and when she shared her talent on feast-days and fun days in the convent and parish. Her silver soprano voice always brought standing ovations. 

It can be said of Sr. Teresita that she was a fountain of spirituality, a top-notch administrator, a gifted musician, a mentor, a woman of talent and service, and always, with a song in her heart! 

–Rosemary Lynch, IBVM