Denise L. Ryan Obituary

Denise L. Ryan, 60, died Friday, November 24, 2023, at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers, Ma., following a long illness.

Denise is survived by her parents, Robert and Patricia Ryan of Gloucester, her sister, Julie Ryan-Berman, of Bedford, MA, her nephews, Zach and Nick Berman, and her niece, Madeline Berman. She is also survived by many cousins in Rockport, MA.

Denise was raised in Gloucester. Graduated Gloucester High School in 1981. She received her BS from Lake Erie College in Ohio in 1985 where she studied equine studies and business management.

Her first job out of college was at Coker Farm, Bedford, NY, where Denise worked as a manager. Denise moved back to Massachusetts in the 90's where she worked at the Cape Ann Medical center as an Administrative Assistant. It was also at this time that Denise expanded her love of Golden Retrievers to breeding, agility training and competitions, and one of her most favorite activities with her dogs-nursing home visits.

Denise was fully involved in competitive American Kennel Club Retriever activities. She was passionate about her Golden Retrievers and competed well at all levels. Denise was active in the Golden Retriever Club of America and was active in Yankee Golden Retriever Club and Massachusetts Colonial Retriever Field Trial Club. She participated in Training sessions and Sanctioned and Licensed Field Trials. Denise was proudest of her male, Beamer, whom she trained in advanced training groups and nearly completed his AKC Master Hunter title. Her female, Ava, who is still alive, competed in licensed field trials and achieved All-Age status through her placements in AKC trials. Colleagues remember Denise as an "unselfish training partner and an asset to the sport". She will be greatly missed.

In keeping with her wishes, services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Kaplan Family Hospice House, 78 Liberty St, Danvers, MA 01923 and/or the Golden Retriever Club of America at https://www.goldenretrieverfoundation.org Arrangements by the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester.