A Tribute to Kathy Ryan: A Selfless Soul

UPDATE: We are going to just cremate her because we can’t afford the other. If there’s a good samaritan that could help us beyond our goal it will go to my grandpa so he can keep his home as well.

Hi, my name is Kirsh (Kirstian) and I am the first granddaughter and grandchild of Kathy Ryan.

If you knew my grandma Kathy, you knew she loved her grandkids, and her family. She would talk about us all the time, and rest assured that her family loved her just as much as she loved us. She was a provider, and she did anything for us, including finding ways to get or to help out in the most troubling and hardest times.

She made some friends along the way, and from those friends came some family through her journey in life. She had a kind, caring heart, and wise soul. My grandma developed COPD early on in life, but still powered through it. She worked every single day she could even with stage 4 lung failure, as an Environmental Service Worker at SSM Hospital, in Mount Vernon Illinois. We have never been rich, but we made it… & she taught us all to be strong.. She didn’t know how to ask for help. She made sure we knew the purest type of unwavering and selfless love a person could give. She wanted what was best for every person and was a giving woman.

The events of her untimely death has caused a tremendous impact on everyone, especially when it comes to her funeral expenses and arrangements.

We have been told that unfortunately, to cremate her and for a headstone it will cost us $3,000-$7,000 FOR ONLY the CREMATION and a private visitation. We are hoping to have this visitation on Friday, March 7th, 2025. We are trying to raise funds for this. The visitation is a way for her beloved grandkids that live a few hours away, to say goodbye. They are devastated, and beside themselves, we would all love to give her that proper “goodbye” as her death was unexpected and tragic.

Grandma was the provider of her household, and did not have life insurance as a result of losing her position due to COPD complications and was forced to resign early. She barely got by but still made sure to help whoever she could. Grandma made sure we knew we were loved and tried her best to make sure we would thrive in the event of her passing…

So I am praying on hands and knees asking the public on her behalf, that if my granny Kathy has ever made an impact in your life… if she was a friend, colleague, or has ever helped you if there would be any way that you could find it in your heart to help us.

Anything helps. as this is the hardest time of our lives and she was the glue connecting us all. She would know what to do, but without her here it’s up to me..

All of the proceeds will go to her funeral expenses.. & saying goodbye.

God bless, and love you all..

Update: You can also donate to my Cashapp as well— $itsfcknkirsh

or venmo: @krusse011

please, share this if you’re unable to help. i love you all