Geraldine Alice Ryan

Geraldine Alice Ryan Geraldine Alice Ryan (b. 1952) passed away unexpectedly on March 31, 2026, at the age of 74. Geraldine was the second daughter of the late Joseph and Jessie Labuz of Chicago, Illinois, and the beloved wife of the late John P. Ryan, with whom she shared 43 years of marriage. She is survived by her three children, Patrick (Jennifer), Angela Ferguson (Paul), and David; and four cherished grandchildren, Abigail Ryan, William Ryan, Caitlin Ferguson, and John “Jack” Ferguson. She is also survived by her siblings, Christine Thomas (James), Donna Miller (Theodore), Joseph Labuz (Kimberly), and Paul Labuz (Tina); and many beloved nieces and nephews. A graduate of St. Procopius College in Illinois (now Illinois Benedictine University), Geraldine devoted her professional life to education. She was a dedicated high school teacher for many years, with her longest tenure at St. Ursula Academy in Toledo, Ohio. She believed deeply in the value of education and the importance of lifelong learning, and she brought that passion into her classroom and life every day. Her influence extended far beyond her students, shaping the lives of all who knew her. Geraldine had a deep love for the arts and culture, including theater, music, and literature, and she carried that appreciation - and a book - throughout her life. She loved to travel, always embracing opportunities to explore new places. Whether through a novel, a performance, or a new destination, she was constantly learning and growing. But her greatest joy was her family. Geraldine was immensely proud of her children and grandchildren and found her deepest fulfillment in being a mother and grandmother. She was a steady, loving presence in their lives—supportive, thoughtful, and always encouraging. She especially treasured time spent together as a family; time with grandchildren at sporting events in Hoffman Estates, winters in Texas, family vacations, and with gatherings during the holidays holding a special place in her heart. She will be remembered for her kindness, her intellect, and the care and devotion she gave so freely to those she loved. Funeral arrangements are pending at this time. Once a schedule has been set the details will be listed here. Geraldine's wish was for any donations or memorials to be made, in lieu of flowers, to The University of Michigan's C.S. Mott Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor , specifically for their music and art program for children. Please designate to the Child and Family Life Program #212568, with Tribute to Geraldine A. Ryan. The family has created this Life Tributes page to make it easy to share your memories, photos, and videos. For those of you that would have attended services and would like to express your condolences please click on the "Share A Memory" link above and you can leave a message. If you wish to send a Sympathy Card, please feel free to send it to Morizzo Funeral Home, 2550 Hassell Road, Hoffman Estates, Illinois, 60169 c/o the Family; we will gladly forward it on to the family. For further information please contact the Morizzo Funeral Directors at 847.752.6444.

Geraldine Alice Ryan

March 9, 1952 - March 31, 2026