Colleen M. Ryan

Colleen Martha Ryan – Age 98

Colleen died on November 14, 2025 in Fairfax, Virginia. She was born June 16, 1927, in Fairfield, Iowa, to loving parents Herman Andrew Berg and Alphonsa Redlinger Berg. She attended Catholic elementary school, graduated from Fairfield High School, and attended Ottumwa Heights, a Catholic Girls’ College in Ottumwa, Iowa. To aid the World War II effort, she signed to work for Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. She married Irwin M. Ryan in 1950 and together became restaurateurs, additionally managing one nightclub, which featured unknowns just starting in the entertainment field. Some of those who became successful were Chubby Checkers, Crosby Brothers, Step and Fetch It, Jonathan Winters, Ink Spots, and Buddy Hackett. During this time, Colleen took classes in dress designing and received her diploma in January 1964. After selling the restaurants, her husband started REMCO and they moved to Washington, DC. They joined Westwood Country Club in Vienna, Virginia, where she became involved in golf. She served as Chairman of the Women’s 9 Hole Golf Group and the Women’s 18 Hole Golf Group. Then she became Chairman of the Arlington-Fairfax Women’s Golf Association, ARFAX, which involved 14 country clubs. She served as Secretary-Treasurer for 13 years on The Board of Directors of Tysons Court Homeowners’ Association. She was also an avid water aerobics member and bowler. Her hobbies were acrylic and oil painting plus colored pencil, sewing, knitting, making beaded jewelry, and playing the organ.

She is survived by two sons, Dr. Kevin Ryan of Vienna, Virginia, and Dr. Kirk Ryan of San Leandro, California. She was predeceased by her husband, Irwin Matthew Ryan, and one son, Matthew William Ryan. It is requested that any desired donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.  https://www.stjude.org/

Funeral arrangements made by Money and King Funeral Home, 171 W. Maple Avenue, Vienna, VA. Internment at a future undetermined date at Arlington National Cemetery with her husband, Irwin (Smoky) Ryan.