Paula Abigail Ryan, 65, a resident of New Canaan for over 30 years passed away on Monday January 20, 2014, surrounded by the love of her family. Born April 16,1948, in Chicago, Illinois, she was the daughter of the late George and Sara Marz. Paula was the widow of the late George E. Ryan, Jr. who passed in 2006. Paula and George were married for 36 years. Paula was a proud graduate of Purdue University where she received a bachelor’s in psychology and went on to receive her masters in education. It was at Purdue where Paula and George met. In recent years, she obtained her administrative license at Sacred Heart University. Mrs. Ryan had a passion for teaching and taught for over 40 years. At the time of her passing, she had been teaching 5th grade at St. Aloysius School for 13 years and was fully committed to the education of all of her students. Paula was a parishioner of St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church. For 15 years, she was dedicated to the St. Aloysius Youth Group Program and was the Emmaus XXXVI rectora. Paula was also proud to be a Eucharistic Minister. Her interests included golf, tennis, knitting and needlepoint. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed sailing and fishing with her husband. Paula loved cooking for her family, especially when including her garden-fresh vegetables. She was deeply devoted to her husband and children. She is survived by her son, Dr. Scott Patrick Ryan, M.D. and his wife Dr. Megan Ryan, M.D. of Boston; and two daughters, Heather Ryan Gallerstein and her husband Michael of Boston and Katherine Anne Ryan of New Canaan, CT. A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 24th at 11:00 am at St. Aloysius Church, located at 21 Cherry Street in New Canaan. Interment will be private and there are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in memory of Paula A. Ryan to the St. Aloysius School to support the Paula and George Ryan Humanitarian Award given to an outstanding 8th grade boy and girl upon graduation. Alternatively, contributions may be made to the Bennett Cancer Center, at Stamford Hospital, who provided phenomenal care.