Kathleen Marie (Burns) Ryan, 91, of Cazenovia, New York died peacefully at home on Friday, January 16, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

     She was born the daughter of a coal miner, the youngest of seven children in Pennsylvania’s Irish Valley. Kathleen’s parents, brothers and sisters meant the world to her. Family was the focus of her life.

     For anyone who knew Kathy, she was always a very special lady - always in good spirits, always with a quick smile, never an unkind word, completely devoted to her husband and family. A beautiful person both inside and out, filled with grace, class, warmth and wit. She was a fantastic wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She will be dearly missed by all.

     She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, William D. Ryan; their children, William J. (Juanita) Ryan, Colleen (Andrew) Majka, Michelle (Michael) Dorman, and Kathryn (Neal) Dolan; grandchildren, Ryan, Erin, Eric, Mary Katherine, Claire, Meghan, Jeffrey, Molly, Owen, Grace, Natalie and Caitlin; great-grandchildren, Jaxon and Ana; many nieces and nephews, and Aunt Jean. She was predeceased by her loving parents, Joseph and Martha Burns, as well as her siblings Joseph, William, Mary, Martha, and great grandchild, Malcolm.

     Special thanks to Dr. Sharon Brangman of Upstate Geriatrics, and Dr. Douglas Zmolek of Crouse Physicians, for their extra care and guidance over the years. A very special thanks to all the fantastic local caregivers - Trish, Cindy, Sonia, Victoria, Sheila, Lynne, and Taisha - for their kindness, care and compassion that allowed Kathy to stay at home.

     Calling hours will be from 4 to 7 pm, Thursday, January 22, 2026 at Michael E. Brown Funeral Services, 2333 Fenner Road in Cazenovia, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Friday, January 23, 2026 at St. James Church in Cazenovia. Burial will follow at 1 p.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026 in Calvary Cemetery in Johnson City, New York.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following:

The “Cure Alzheimer’s Fund”, 34 Washington St., Suite 230, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481 or online at info@curealz.org or (781) 237-3800

CAVAC, 106 Nelson St., Cazenovia, NY 13035 - (315) 655-9798

St. James Church, 6 Green St., Cazenovia, NY 13035 - (315) 655-3441

Condolences for the Ryan family may be left at www.michaelebrownfuneralservices.com.