Joan Bernadette Ryan (Hajewski, Cecot) passed quietly from this life into the next on December 2, 2022. We were so fortunate to have celebrated her 90th birthday with her the month before. Her smile and laughter will be carried forever in our hearts.
Joan was born in Chicago, Illinois, on October 5, 1932 to parents Charlotte Cecot (Radizikowski) and Albert Cecot and sister to Theresa. She graduated as a registered nurse in 1953 from St Francis Hospital School of Nursing.
Joan married Walter Hajewski in May of 1954. Together they would have five children and move to her beloved home in San Fernando, California in 1966. She instilled a practical integrity into her children that came from her nursing experience.
Joan had a remarkable career in Critical Care Nursing from 1961 until she retired in 1997. To this day there are active nurses who remember Joan as a supervisor, as a mentor and a friend. Joan touched countless hearts, sometimes literally.
Joan married Ed Ryan in April, 1982 and became an integral part of his family. Ed preceded her in death in March of 1998.
Joan was an active parishioner at St. Ferdinand’s Church in San Fernando, California, where all 5 kids went to elementary school. She loved puzzles of all kinds, clipping newsworthy items for her children, figuring out her phone and finding that afternoon coffee that she forgot in the microwave. She loved to listen to Vin Scully call a game, talking for hours with her kids on the phone and, “for the love of heaven”, setting the world straight around her.
Joan is survived by sons Paul, Mark, Chris, John and daughter Karyn, their spouses, 10 grandchildren, and their spouses and 4 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister.
The Celebration of Life for Joan will be held at St. Ferdinand’s Church, with a mass at 11 am on January 11, 2023. A gravesite ceremony will follow at the San Fernando Mission Cemetery.
Joan has identified St. Ferdinand’s Church and Rancho San Antonio Boys Home as her preferred charities. Please direct your donations there in lieu of flowers.
Deceased’s Funeral Arrangements
1/11/23 – Mass at St Ferdinands Church. Gravesite ceremony at San Fernando Mission Cemetery to follow.