Irene (Saxones) Ryan

Irene Ryan (Saxones), a long-time resident of Wilmington, passed away unexpectedly on August 22, 2023; she was 80 years old. 

Irene was born on October 6, 1942, in Lowell, MA; she was the loving daughter of the late James and Aphrodite Saxones.  Irene lived in Lowell with her family for several years before moving to Dracut as a young girl.  Irene was raised and educated in Dracut and a graduate of Dracut High School with the Class of 1960.

Irene married her "sweetheart" Joseph P. Ryan on September 10, 1967; the couple moved to Wilmington where they raised two wonderful children.  Irene's door was always open to family and friends; she enjoyed entertaining and having everyone around.  Irene was very devoted to her husband, children and sister but she was especially close to her parents and she looked forward to the time they all spent together.

Irene was an animal lover through and through; she loved her "fur babies" and spoiled them every chance she got.

Irene was a hard worker throughout her life; she had an endearing personality and great people skills.  In her early years, Irene started her career at Demoulas Supermarket where she became head of the courtesy booth; Irene made many friends at Demoulas throughout the years.  Irene then went into the banking world; she worked for several banking institutions starting in Lowell and then taking a position at Baybank in Wilmington which later became Bank of America.  Irene worked her way up to Head Teller where she enjoyed working with her customers and teaching new employees.  Irene then moved on to the treasury department at BayBank; she enjoyed her new position and was instrumental in running the foreign currency department.  Irene retired in 1997 following many years of dedicated service to the banking industry.

In her spare time, Irene, loved to challenge herself with cryptograms and crosswords; she enjoyed her occasional trip to Foxwoods with her husband Joe, and spending time with family and friends.

Irene will be fondly remembered as a beautiful lady "inside and out"; she had a heart of gold and was always willing to help others.  Irene will forever be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Irene was the beloved wife of Joseph P. Ryan, devoted mother of Valerie Riccio & her husband Dan of Tewksbury and James Ryan of Wilmington.  Cherished daughter of the late James and Aphrodite (Guduras) Saxones, dear sister of Joan Gormley & her late husband Christopher of Dracut, sister-in-law of Eleanore McCormack of Nashua, NH, the late Kathryne Sawtelle and the late Martha Frazier.

Family and friends will gather for Visiting Hours at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, MA, on Monday, August 28 th from 4:00-7:00 p.m.

Graveside services will take place on Tuesday, August 29 th at 11:00 a.m. in Westlawn Cemetery, Lowell, MA (please use 215 Boston Road entrance).

In lieu of flowers, donations in Irene's memory may be made to the MSPCA at Nevins Farm, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA  01844.

To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com