Roxbury Township,   Mrs. Eileen Sanner Ryan, 80, Succasunna, died Monday, Aug. 29, surrounded by her four children and family in Morristown Memorial Hospital. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She quietly touched so many lives in so many different ways. Less than two weeks before her passing, more than 35 family members and friends gathered for her birthday, an event that became a tribute and celebration of her life by those who loved her most.

            Eileen was born in Queens, NY on Aug. 10, 1931. She attended Saint Margaret grammar school and  graduated from St. Michael’s Academy in Manhattan. She also graduated from business school and worked for the County College of Morris. She married Donald Ryan in 1954. Don and Eileen moved to Succasunna in 1963. After moving to New Jersey, the Ryans became devoted members of St. Therese Catholic Church in Succasunna. Eileen was a member of the Rosary Altar Society, a Eucharistic minister and served as a CCD coordinator. She also was a dedicated supporter of St. Therese Elementary School. “Grammy” Eileen was the happiest when with her grandchildren. She also enjoyed bingo, shopping and was an avid fan of the A&P. Eileen was the treasurer of the Roxbury Senior Citizens Club, where she enjoyed her many friends and the trips and events they shared.

            Her husband preceded her in death in 1995. Eileen also was preceded in death by her parents: Felix and Martha Sanner; and two brothers: Felix and John Sanner.  Survivors include her four children and their families: daughter Patricia (and Doug) Toney of New Braunfels, Texas; son Thomas J. (and Cathleen) Ryan of Succasunna; Robert G. (and Amy) Ryan of Califon, and daughter Mary (and Sean) Malone, Hazelton, PA, and seven grandchildren: Lauren Rissmiller of Silver Spring, MD, Tim Ryan, Erin Ryan, and Kelsey Ryan of Succasunna, Jamie Ryan of Califon, and Megan and Emily Malone of  Hazelton, PA; and three step-grandchildren, Linnea Toney, Los Angeles, Erik Toney, Fort Collins, CO, and Matthew Toney, Minot AFB, ND. Other survivors include her brother, Paul (and Kathleen) Sanner; brother William (and Alberta) Sanner; her sister, Joan (and Joe) Henn, and sister-in-law Angela Sanner, and many loving nieces and nephews.

            Friends may visit at the Davis and Hepplewhite Funeral Home, 96 Main St., Succasunna (973-584-7264) davishepplewhitefh.com   from 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Thursday. The Funeral Liturgy will be 9:30 a.m. Friday at St. Therese Catholic Church in Succasunna, with interment at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Roxbury Social Services, 72 Eyland Ave., Succasunna, NJ 07876.