- Date Of Birth: September 26, 1921
- Date Of Death: April 11, 2014
- State: Indiana
South Bend – Gaeney Ryan Pellow passed away peacefully in her sleep in the early morning hours of Friday, April 11, 2014 at the Sanctuary at Holy Cross. Gaeney was born on September 26, 1921, in Iron Mountain, Michigan to the late Michael Joseph Ryan, Sr. and Mary Nolan Ryan. Her family moved to Ishpeming, MI soon after where Gaeney attended St. John’s Grade School, The Ishpeming High School and received her degree in education from Northern Michigan University in 1942. She began her teaching career in Escanaba, Michigan. On April 13, 1945 Gaeney married Lieutenant Commander John K Pellow, a pilot in The United States Navy, and soon after moved to Coronado, California where John was stationed during the Korean War. John preceded her in death on November 15, 1991. The family moved to South Bend in February of 1964 where Gaeney taught for many years, earning her Master’s degree in education at St Mary’s College in June of 1967. Following her retirement from the South Bend Community School Corporation, she then taught for several more years at Holy Cross Grade School where she was also a parishioner for many, many years.
Gaeney is survived by her two daughters, Mary Helen Pellow of South Bend and Frances Ann Harris, also of South Bend. Two of her greatest joys were her grand sons, Christopher Ryan Carver and Brian Joseph (Lauren) Carver. Gaeney is also survived by three great grand children, Reese Marie, Ryann Nicole and Matthew Christopher Carver. Gaeney was preceded in death by her three sisters, Mary Wahlman, Patricia Bingham and Frances Burdette. She is survived by her brother, Michael Joseph Ryan, Jr of Sullivan, MO. and many nieces and nephews. She will be remembered by a host of life-long friends and numerous past students, many of whom she still heard up from up until the time of her death.
Gaeney was quite a remarkable woman and teacher. In the late 70’s she went on a teacher exchange program to teach in Armaugh, Northern Ireland. Gaeney had a special place in her heart for the Irish people- the student’s she taught and the many friends she made there. She returned to Ireland several times over the years- it was a very special place to her as so many of her ancestors emigrated from Ireland- she always said Ireland felt like “going home”to her. She was able to quote any Irish prayer, poem, joke or proverb- one of her favorites being “You can’t kill the bloody Irish!” She had a long and wonderful life, accomplishing so much and relishing times spent with all her friends, her old students and, of course, returning to Ireland many times. Our lives are so much richer for having her with us. Her joy of music, her beautiful voice, her love of the theater and the arts, books and reading and her immeasurable faith in God and humanity are all a part of the beautiful legacy she has left to us. She would not want sadness or sorrow at her passing, only joy and elation at a long life, lived so well. Until we meet again, our sweet Mother, may God carry you home on the wings of angels. We will love you and cherish your memory always. Thank-you for being, quite simply, the best friend, Mother and Grandma any family could ever have. 3545 N. 3545 N.
April 16, 2014
1:00 PM
Holy Cross Catholic Church 920 Wilber Street
South Bend, IN
