JoAnn Ryan Gaynor, beloved by many, died peacefully on Monday, December 28, 2020 at her home in Ellicott City, Maryland.
Born November 7, 1955, to Martin and Edna Ryan, JoAnn had a love for theatre, performing in productions at Woodlawn High School in her teens and later earning a bachelor’s degree in Theatre from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Her passion for theatre continued throughout her adult life. She volunteered her time with the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company and would never pass up an opportunity to see a show at Toby’s Dinner Theatre.
She also had a strong connection to her family’s Irish heritage and was able to visit her family’s farm, in County Galway, during a visit to Ireland in 2011. Since then, JoAnn has travelled far and wide, including trips to the Czech Republic, Scotland, Greece, Oregon and more recently to Arizona, Florida, and Arkansas.
JoAnn will be remembered for her love of animals, giving heart, and her kind and gentle soul.
She is survived by a son, Jack E. Gaynor, and daughter-in-law, Jenee R. Gaynor, as well as a daughter, Gillian L. Rines, and son-in-law Justin M. Rines; grandchildren Elena J. Gaynor and Thomas R. Gaynor; sister-in-law Peggy Ryan; former husband, Glenn P. Gaynor; and many adoring nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her sister, Jacqueline L. Ryan and brother, Gerald R. Ryan.
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