Frances (Kogut) Ryan, 79, of South Dartmouth passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 24, 2021.
Born in New Bedford, Frances was the daughter of the late John and Sophie (Kruszewski) Kogut. She graduated from New Bedford High School, and from the University of Connecticut.
In 1965, Frances married the love of her life, Denis J. Ryan, and moved to Dartmouth where she spent the rest of her life. Frances loved helping others. For more than 25 years, she was a dedicated educator at Dartmouth Middle School.
Grateful for her faith, family, and friends, Frances attended daily mass at St. Mary’s Church in South Dartmouth and loved volunteering for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. She enjoyed summering with her grandchildren at Crescent Beach in Mattapoisett and spending time with her many close friends and family.
Frances celebrated every day of her life as a selfless and giving friend, mother, and dedicated grandmother. She made everyone feel important and her friendly smile will be missed by many.
Frances is survived by her three daughters, Laurie Ryan of Dartmouth, MA, Susan Cawley (and husband Kip Cawley) of Wellesley, MA, and Jean Schluter (and husband John Schluter) of Westport, CT; her four grandchildren, Gillian Lee, Denison Cawley, and Johnny and Blake Schluter; and her sister, Nancy Kogut of Londonderry, NH. She was preceded in death by her husband, Denis J. Ryan.
Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, February 4, 2021 at 10:00 AM in St. Mary’s Church in South Dartmouth. Visiting hours are omitted. You must wear a mask to be allowed entry to the services and capacity at church could be limited. In lieu of flowers, donations in Frances’ name may be made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, c/o St. Mary’s Church, 7989 Dartmouth St., Dartmouth, MA 02748. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
