Obituary of Catherine Ryan

Catherine D. Ryan (née Zilinick), of Forked River and formerly a longtime Kearny resident, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 8, 2025. She was 87.

Catherine was born in Royal Oak, Michigan, to the late Stephenand Evelyn Zilinick. She was raised in Royal Oak and remained there until she met her beloved husband, Martin J. Ryan, who was from New Jersey. The two met in Michigan at the wedding of their best friends and married in May 1967.

Catherine and Martin settled in Kearny, NJ, where they raised their family.  She had an interesting 15-year career with the FBI as an Investigative Clerical Assistant. Upon retiring, she and Martin moved to Forked River to enjoy life at the shore and boating on the bay. 

Catherine was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Lacey Elks Club and the Lacey Knights ofColumbus Ladies Auxiliary. 

Catherine was an avid Bingo player for most of her life and loved her word-find puzzle books. As a hobby she loved sewing, crocheting and tending to her garden. She enjoyed watching crime shows and listening to music.  She had a witty sense of humor - her favorite saying while smiling a big smirk was “Happy to be here, I can still complain”. 

Catherine was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother with a heart of gold, and she loved her family deeply. 

Although Catherine will be deeply missed, we take solace in knowing she is at peace. 

In addition to her parents, Catherine was predeceased by her husband, Martin J Ryan in 2015; her sister, Judith Hoogewerfand her brother, Stephen “Bud” Zilinick.

Catherine is survived by her loving daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and Dennis Bellog; her loving son and daughter-in-law, Patrick and Jackie Ryan. She was a proud and cherished grandmother to Sara, Ryan, and Joseph Bellog,  and James and Ashley Ryan. She will also be dearly missed by her favorite “grand-dog” and best friend, Oakley.

Catherine will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, generosity and unwavering love for her family.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the visitation from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 13, 2025 to be held at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

A committal service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 14, 2025 at Gate of Heaven Mausoleum, 225 Ridgedale Avenue, East Hanover followed by entombment.

Charitable contributions may be made in Catherine’s memory to Alzheimer’s Association.