Mary Alma Ryan
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
January 12, 1863
Sister Mary Alma Ryan S. P. | |
|---|---|
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| Personal life | |
| Born | Rosemary Ryan January 12, 1863 Port Huron, Michigan |
| Died | January 5, 1929 (aged 65) St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana |
| Nationality | American |
| Religious life | |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
Mary Alma Ryan (1863–1929) was the first graduate of the school that became Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. As a Sister of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, she later became superior of the same academy from which she graduated. She was a distinguished member of the council that governed the Sisters of Providence. For over 30 years she was the closest associate and confidante to Mary Cleophas Foley, their superior general.
She was born Rosemary Ryan in Port Huron, Michigan, on January 12, 1863, to Mary Jeanne (Jane) Roberts Ryan, a French Canadian-American, and Daniel Ryan, originally from Tipperary, Ireland.[1] Her mother was accomplished in piano, and Rosemary picked it up by ear, becoming a fine player. Her father was a grocer, and a member of the school board who emphasized education. She was the oldest of 11 children — six girls and five boys — who lived to maturity; others, including twins, died at birth.[2]
She attended public school until the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-in-the-Woods opened their academy in 1880, at which time she transferred to it for her third year of high school. Her parents wanted her to finish at the public school and become a teacher, but the school run by the Sisters of Providence attracted her. Sacred Heart Academy in Port Huron was their two-year boarding school for girls. Mother Mary Theodosia Mug recalled her coming to them with her arms full of music books even though they had not sought her out.[2] She was proficient in French and Latin, and showed additional ability in logic and astronomy. She became the first graduate of their Sacred Heart Academy, which became Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.[2][3]
