Lorraine 'Dodo' Ryan, 80, life of the party
NORTHAMPTON - Lorraine "Dodo" LaBarge Ryan, 80, of 357 Haydenville Road in Leeds, died quietly in her home with family on Oct. 31, 2009.
She was born March 22, 1929, in Northampton, the daughter of the late Marguarite Ryan LaBarge of Williamsburg and Cyrius Joseph LaBarge of Wotton, Quebec, Canada. She attended Northampton High School and worked many years at Pro Brush for Standard Vending Co. of Indian Orchard, and later for Northampton High School Food Service until 1985, when she retired.
Dodo made her home with her husband in Leeds. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this May. Dodo was an active member of St. Catherine's Church in Leeds, belonging to the Women's Council and running the food service at bingo for over 30 years. She was a Lassie League girls softball coach from 1969 to 1980, and assistant coached two select softball teams that traveled to national tournaments in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and York, Pa. She was an active member of her Northampton High School class of 1946 reunion committee. She will be best remembered for telling great jokes, playing the harmonica, her beautiful yard, the big shamrock painted on her driveway, and her love of life and children.
She was predeceased by a brother, John LaBarge, sister Virginia Burrows, sister Kathleen LaBarge, and sister Edith Melnik.
She is survived by her husband, William J. Ryan, of Leeds; son Terry Ryan and wife Marie LaPlante of Springfield, Vt.; two daughters, Peg Ryan and wife Mary Ann Thrane of Leeds, and daughter Liz Ryan and wife Susan Biggs of Florence; two granddaughters, Brenna K. Ryan of Leeds, and Emily R. Biggs of Florence; a brother, Elmer LaBarge of Ontario, Calif.; a sister, Dorothy Newman of Northampton; and a brother, Richard LaBarge of Northampton; along with several nieces and nephews.
Calling hours are at the Czeluzniak Funeral Home, 173 North St., Northampton, from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 6. A rowdy Irish reception will take place at the Northampton Country Club, Saturday, Nov. 7, from 12 to 3 p.m. All are welcome.
A celebratory Mass of her life will take place at Our Lady of the Hills, Haydenville, on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 10 a.m. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.
Donations can be made to the Hotel Bridge Restoration Fund at Florence Bank or to the National Brain Tumor Society at www.braintumor.org/donate.









