Loretta Mary (née Broaders) Ryan

We are very sad to share that Loretta passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the Miller Centre on October 25th, 2025. Loretta was predeceased by her son Dominic, sister Ellen, brothers-in-law Donald and Peter, and parents; Christina and Dominic.

Remembering her with many fond memories are her husband Patrick, son Michael (Vicki), daughters Mary and Michelle, grandchildren Nicholas and Kyle, sisters Marion (Edwin), Bridget, and Therese (Brendan), brother Dominic (Marguerite), and an extensive circle of beloved nieces, nephews and cousins, along with friends and colleagues from a rich life well-lived.

Loretta was born in Tilting, Fogo Island and left home at 16 with a loan from a local storekeeper to go to Memorial University. From there she built an adventurous life, backpacking across Europe, hiking all over Newfoundland (often in the company of her close friends Donna and Lil), marlin fishing off Baja, California, sailing from Madeira to the Canary Islands, moose hunting each fall, and indulging in the wonderful food of Italy.

While her life took her all over the world, she remained community-focused and dedicated to supporting community development. From her early days on Home and School Associations and the Southern Shore Development Association to her work with the Celtic Business Development Corporation and her support for Mistaken Point’s UNESCO World Heritage Site designation, many knew Loretta through her dedication to strengthening rural Newfoundland communities.

Her retirement gave her the opportunity to enhance her wine-making expertise, explore literature with her book club, create traditional Newfoundland rugs with her rug-hooking group, collect sea glass with her grandsons, and experiment with new foods in her garden and her kitchen. 

Loretta’s family would like to express their deep gratitude to Dr. Laing, Dr. Kwan, and all the specialists and healthcare professionals who supported her during her long battle with breast cancer. They would also like to express particular thanks to the exceptional staff of the Palliative Care unit at the Miller Centre and to everyone who provided invaluable support to Loretta and her family during her last months.

Visitation will be held at Ryan’s Funeral Home, Bay Bulls on Tuesday, October 28th from 2 pm-8 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made in Loretta’s memory to organizations she supported: The Canadian Red Cross, The Gathering Place, Choices for Youth and Bridges to Hope.  

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Loretta Mary (née Broaders) Ryan, please visit our Tree Store.