Carol S. Ryan, 98

Milwaukee- Carol S. Ryan, 98, died on May 4, 2026, at St. John’s on the Lake, just as she lived, with awareness, grace, and a ready sense of humor.

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Carol attended Washington High School and Marquette University. She experienced profound loss at the tender age of nine when her mother died. Out of that loss, she built something lasting: deep, loyal friendships that became her extended family for decades to come.

In 1952, she married Peter D. Ryan, and together they raised their family in Glendale. Later chapters of her life took her to Mequon and eventually to St. John’s on the Lake, where she continued doing what she did best: connecting with people, sharing stories, and making friends feel like family.

Carol’s life work was her family. She raised eight children in a home that was lively and full of personality, shaped by strong opinions, sharp humor, and stories that have lasted a lifetime. She was a hands-on mother who filled her home life with traditions her children still carry—Christmas acts, birthday poems, self-deprecating jokes, and the comforting certainty she’d be there when her kids walked in the door. She kept a large family well-fed with thrifty ingenuity and casseroles, and encouraged independence and creativity, especially for anyone hoping for sweets beyond the apples at home.

At her part-time job at The Changing Scene in Whitefish Bay, she came into her own, using her sharp eye for fashion and honest advice to help others, while turning coworkers and customers into lasting friends. She had a presence people were drawn to—warm, magnetic, and just sharp enough to keep things interesting. Carol loved conversation, the kind that stretched long past expectations (and occasionally led to picking up her kids late), filled with stories, laughter, and yes, a little well-enjoyed gossip—always delivered with more delight than judgment. She was an attentive listener, a loyal friend, and someone who made people feel seen, welcomed, and part of her circle.

She will be deeply missed by her children Barbara “Enocha”, Christine, Paul (Christine), Peter (Dawn), Dan (Sandy), and Mary Therese “MT” (Tim) Boyle; former daughter-in-law Trish; her grandchildren Shandra, Josiah (Kristina), Justin, Patrick, Sean, and Mina Ryan, Valerie (David) Evans,  Grace and Lily Boyle; and her great-grandchildren Genavine, Michael (Rebekkah), Adrian, Ezekiel, and Isabella; and great-great grandchildren Elena and Z’aire.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Peter; her premature infant daughter Maureen, her sweetheart, Wally Metzelfeld; her sons, Mark and David; her granddaughter, Tiona; and many dear friends.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff and caregivers at St. John’s on the Lake, whose compassion, kindness, and humor made Carol’s final months a time of continued connection, comfort, and joy.

Carol lived a long and full life, rich in relationships and rooted in love. She will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and carried forward in the stories, laughter, and connections she so effortlessly created.

A Memorial Service was held at St. John’s on the Lake Chapel on Thursday May 21, 2026.

If you would like to make a memorial contribution in Carol’s memory, please consider a donation to NAMI Southeastern Wisconsin.  To donate securely online, click on the following link:

Ways to Contribute – NAMI Wisconsin

or to donate by mail:

NAMI Southeast WI
2717 N Grandview Blvd., Suite 205
Waukesha, WI 53188

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