Joan M. (Carney) Ryan, 91, of Dartmouth, passed away at St. Luke's Hospital on October 23, 2024 after a brief illness. Born in Hartford, CT, she was the daughter of the late Francis J. Carney, of Utica, NY, and Margaret M. (Ryan) Carney, of Albany, NY. She grew up in New Britain, CT and North Attleboro, MA, but lived her adult years in New Bedford, where she was a communicant of St. Lawrence, Martyr Church.

Joan graduated from Salve Regina University, and was a devoted Special Education Teacher in the New Bedford School system for nearly thirty years. She taught at the Donaghy School from 1970-1977, and at the Hayden-McFadden School from 1978-1995. She also taught at Keith Junior High School from 1958-1960 and 1995-1997, and in the Head-Start program at the Parker Elementary School. She retired in 1997.

She loved to volunteer her time and energy to the community. She led the St. Lawrence Girl Scout Brownies troop at Holy Family School for several years in the 1960's. She was a frequent Special Olympics volunteer at its New Bedford Chapter, and a long-time volunteer at the Cause for Paws Animal Shelter in Mattapoisett. She also volunteered in the St. Lawrence Parish Food Pantry and Garden Club.

She is survived by Thomas B. Ryan, her husband of 65 years, daughter Kathleen Johnson, son-in-law Mitchell Johnson of Dartmouth; son Kevin Ryan, daughter-in-law Xiaozhou Ryan and grandson Oliver C. Ryan, of New York City; daughter Mary Beth Ryan, daughter-in-law Roz Jones of Plymouth.

She was predeceased by her parents, and elder sister Mary Lourdes (Carney) Healey of Seattle, WA.

The family wishes to thank dear friend and care-giver Karen Woodcock of Dartmouth for her love, kindness and support.

Her Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Lawrence, Martyr Church, 565 County St., New Bedford on Saturday, November 2nd at 11:00 AM. Her family will receive visitors at church beginning at 10:30 AM.  A private family burial service will be held at the Massachusetts National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joan's name to the Massachusetts Chapter of the Special Olympics or to any local animal shelter. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.