Shirley (Rodie) Ryan

Shirley (Rodie) Ryan, of Spring Lake, NJ, died peacefully at home on July 21, 2025, surrounded by her daughters. Born in 1934 to Katherine Rodie May, she spent her early life in Leonia and Tenafly, NJ. She graduated from Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School, an institution known for preparing women for career opportunities, and was hired by CBS News as executive assistant to Thomas H. Ryan, one of the network’s first legal consultants for programming and talent. After resigning several times over what she diplomatically called ‘irreconcilable differences,’ Shirley shocked everyone by announcing her engagement to the very same man – proving some love stories start with flowers, others with a flurry of resignation letters. They were married in 1962 at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City and lived for a short time in New York before relocating to Spring Lake, NJ.

Shirley and Tom (d. 2006) are lovingly remembered by their four daughters—Sheila, Sharon, Mary, and Patricia—their sons-in-law, Michael, Andrew D. and Andrew F.; nine cherished grandchildren (Samantha and husband Aaron, Thomas, Sara, Jack, Max, Scarlett, Aja, and Elle); and four adored great-grandchildren (Parker, Emersyn, Declan, and Jetson).

Beyond loving her family and her furry entourage of dogs and cats, Shirley was the undisputed queen of porch visits, her throne shared most often with her best friend and partner-in-crime, Jackie Boyan, and over treasured weekends with Roberta Scioscio. She also held court with the “legendary” Salem Ave crew—the Crines, Micioni, Higgins, Mullen, Livingston, Tompa, and Waterwash families. Generous with what little free time she had, Shirley was an avid volunteer for numerous organizations including the Fresh Air Fund, Spring Lake Historical Society, St. Catherine’s Church, as well as many senior citizen and pediatric charities. A die-hard fan of Frank Sinatra and an unapologetic American patriot, Shirley had a voice and wasn’t afraid to use it. She could often be heard belting out “My Way,” “God Bless America,” or “The 12 Days of Christmas” (even when snubbed from landing the coveted “5 Golden Rings” verse) alongside a lively chorus of Boyans—family in everything but last name… rumor has it she still owes one of them $5 for mowing her lawn sometime in the last century.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in her name to The Fresh Air Fund.

Services are entrusted to Jersey Shore Cremation Service, 43 Taylor Avenue, Manasquan, NJ.