Carol A. Ryan (Harder) of Putnam, CT (previously Guilford, CT and North Haven, CT) was born on March 5,1934 and was welcomed home into Christ's loving embrace on January 11, 2024. Carol was predeceased by her husband James J. Ryan, her son James J. Ryan Jr. (Phoenix, AZ), her granddaughter, Kelsey A. Folmar (Oklahoma City, OK), and her grandson, Connor J Ryan (Pittsburgh, PA) and her Sisters, Jane Sage and Mary Ducharme.

She leaves behind her children Kathleen Folmar (James) of Oklahoma City, OK, Sharon Ryan-Johnson of Woodstock, CT, Mary-Judith "Judy" Ryan (Ken) of San Antonio, FL, Andrew Ryan of Cromwell, CT, Virginia Sandella (Paul) of Guilford, CT, Peter Ryan of CT and NY, and Matthew Ryan (Michelle) of Gum Spring, VA, and her brother David Harder (Donna) of Newton, NH. "Gram/Grammy/Gigi" now lovingly watches over her twelve grandchildren Kristen, Lindsay, Luke, Zac, Ian, Amy, Ricky, Kelly, Emily, Elise, Hanne and Jack, and four great-grandchildren, Zoey, Lily, Tyler and Axel. Carol also leaves behind numerous loved nieces and nephews.

Carol was born in Utica, NY to Francis and Mildred Harder. She attended St. Elizabeth College of Nursing in Utica and received a BS to become a Registered Nurse. As if raising 8 children, working fulltime, and prioritizing strong relationships with her extended family and friends didn't keep her busy enough, she went on to receive her second BS in Public Health from Southern Connecticut State University in her mid-60's. Passionately committed to serving others in need, Carol worked diligently in various roles in senior care facilities (Director of Nursing, Infection Control and Wound Care) until retiring at the young age of 72. Carol always felt that when it came to her nursing profession, she was born three decades too early. Her unattained dream was to work with either Doctors Beyond Borders, Red Cross Disaster Relief agencies or the Peace Corp.

Carol and her husband, Jim, raised their children deeply rooted in the Catholic faith. Family, compassion and service to others were the cornerstone to which all else was built upon. Carol was a devoted Mom and advocate for her son, Andy. Her brother David and his family were very important to her, and they shared many memories of their youth. She was also deeply loved and respected by the Harder and Wurz families. As one of her Wurz nieces recently said, "Aunt Carol was the glue that held our family together".

We will always remember Carol when we hear music by her favorite artist, Sade. She was an avid reader of mysteries and WWI/WWII nursing chronicles. Her cookie jar was always full of Oreo's to the delight of all who entered her home. She loved black licorice, a good Manhattan or Cosmopolitan, clown figurines, Iris flowers, the color of deep purple, the toast "Here's to you and here's to me…", musical plays and theater, Byers' Choice carolers and her favorite movie, "What About Bob?" She had a unique and witty sense of humor. Carol was happiest when the entire family would gather for Patriot's football and big Sunday dinners, or around the pool for summer shenanigans. Her 4th of July parties and fireworks were of epic proportions. We will never forget Christmas Eve celebrations with Santa on the fire truck at her home, Thanksgiving dinners for 30/40 people, and banging pots on New Years Eve. Her front door was always open to all.

Carols' life will be celebrated at a Funeral Mass on Tuesday, January 23rd at 11:30AM at St. Geroge Catholic Church in Guilford, CT, followed by a burial at All Saints Cemetery in North Haven, CT,