Virginia "Ginny" W. Ryan

Virginia “Ginny” W. Ryan, 84, passed away on Wednesday, December 24, 2025 at Holden Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Holden, Massachusetts, where she received wonderful care. She was predeceased by her sister, Brenda Kupa (John), and her two brothers, Robert Ryan and Philip Ryan. Ginny was born on December 31, 1940, daughter of the late Ernest J. and Mae (Leofanti) Ryan. At the passing of her father, she assisted in the running of the Sherwood Diner in Worcester. It is there she developed joy in interactions with many people.

Ginny earned her master’s degree from Worcester State College and a bachelor’s degree from Clark University, which lead to her becoming a teacher. She began her career as an educator at Burncoat High School where she taught for 26 years and was adored by her students and the faculty. She enjoyed taking students to New York City, Washington, DC, Philadelphia and abroad to Europe where she shared her love of travel and exploration. Upon retirement, she continued her love of teaching for an additional 10 years working for the Department of Defense Dependent Schools in Weisbaden, Germany. She returned to Worcester but soon got the education bug again and traveled the world with Teachers Without Borders teaching English in India, Poland, China, Russia, Cuba and many other international locations.

Ginny was proud of her membership in her union and a strong advocate for working class people. She was also active in the political arena where she ran for City Councilor, District 1 in 2011. She was voted Democrat of the Year by the Worcester Democratic Party in 2015, where she was honored for her commitment to their causes. Away from the classroom, Ginny stayed active working in her beautiful perennial gardens on Arbutus Road, where she shared her flowers with friends and neighbors. She loved to entertain her family and friends at her home. Virginia was a lifelong resident of the City of Worcester and instrumental in placing the old Sherwood Diner at Polar Park stadium in Worcester. Ginny leaves many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Virginia’s funeral will be held Wednesday, December 31, with a service at 11 a.m. in the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester, and private burial in St. John’s Cemetery, Worcester. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Worcester County Food Bank, c/o Communications & Development Department, 474 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA 01545.