Judith Rea (Capehart) Ryan Obituary
Judith Rea Ryan (Judi), age 82, of Merritt Island, FL, passed away on July 2, 2021.
Judi was married to the love of her life, Edward N. Ryan Jr. on August 5, 1989.
Judi was born in Pt. Pleasant, WV on May 3, 1939. She graduated from South High School, Columbus OH, in 1957, and continued to receive a degree in Nursing from Lakeland College, Kirtland, OH, in 1978. Judi worked as a Registered Nurse at Hillcrest Hospital, Mayfield Heights, OH, for six years and as a Certified Post-Surgical Nurse for Wuesthoff Memorial Hospital, Rockledge, FL for twenty-five years. Upon her retirement from nursing in 2009, she continued to contribute to the medical community by serving as a Wuesthoff Hospital Volunteer (Pink Lady) for an additional five years.
In her spare time, Judi loved to travel, especially by cruise ship to numerous destinations in the Caribbean, Maritime states/providences, and Alaska. In addition to traveling throughout the continental US, her excursions took her to the Arctic Circle, and several trips to Hawaii. At home, Judi mastered the art of crochet. Many family and friends have afghans and other articles crafted by her delicate hands. Judi loved her cat, Skeeter, and was an active supporter of the ASPCA. She was also actively involved in the Community Women’s Club, Cocoa. FL. Mostly, Judi was the matriarch of the family. With a smile on her face and love in her heart she opened her arms and her home to strangers, friends, and family. Judi loved everyone, and everyone loved Judi. She took on life with remarkable class, humor, and empathy.
A memorial service will be held July 16, 2021, 4 PM, at the Community Women’s Club, 5 Rosa L. Jones Drive, Cocoa Florida. Arrangements for cremation are being handled by Wylie Baxley Funeral Home, Merritt Island, FL.
Judi is survived by her husband, Edward Ryan of Merritt Island, Children; Jerald Anthony Filichia (Tony) of Cocoa, Pamela Marie Murg (Dee Dee) of Port St. John, and Michael D. Ryan of Honea Path, SC, fifteen grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren, and other family and friends. Judith Rea Ryan is preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Thelma Rea Capehart, and her sister, Martha Lee Hysell. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The family of Judith Rea Ryan wishes to thank the medical staff of Rockledge Regional Medical Center for their outstanding service.
