Marie Ryan, beloved wife of Matt Nakroshis, cherished daughter of Jeanette Mines (Kay Quinlan) and John Ryan (Ann Goddeyne), passed away on December 20, 2025. She leaves countless friends, cousins and aunt and uncles. For years Marie conquered cancer with hope, dignity and her always positive look to the future.

Born and raised in Oak Park, Illinois, Marie attended Oak Park schools while growing up in a child-filled neighborhood with many becoming lifelong friends. Marie attended Kenyon College and Lewis University earning a degree in Business. She began a 15-year career in the corporate world. When she realized her calling was teaching in the field of special education, she returned to Lewis University and earned a Master's Degree in Special Education.  At Joliet Central High School she became a teacher and mentor.  Her gift of connecting with students, fellow teachers and administrators flourished and brought her great joy. Marie was known for her compassion.  Marie and Matt chose to parent a struggling student by inviting him into their home. With her indomitable spirit, this fall she often sped through the halls to her classroom on her electric wheelchair becoming a legend and an inspiration.

Marie and Matt loved travel and were especially fond of sun and sandy beaches. A trip to Italy this summer was a highlight of their travels.

In addition to her husband and parents, Marie leaves behind her sister-in-law Kate McCelland, aunts and uncles, Ray Ryan and Gabe Zorzi, Holly Ryan, Mike Mines, Susie and Al Kroupa, many cousins and the most incredible friends imaginable.  She is proceeded in death by her grandparents, Fritz and Anne Mines, Ed and Kay Ryan, uncles Patrick Ryan and Jerry Mines, father-in-law Louis McCelland, and chosen family member, Nathan Ballard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in honor of Marie to the Marie T. Ryan Endowed Scholarship at Lewis University or the Student Support Fund at Joliet Central High School.

The Marie T. Ryan Endowed Scholarship supports Lewis University students preparing to be special education teachers and reflects her enduring commitment to education and service.

Those wishing to make a memorial gift may do so online by visiting: www.alumni.lewisu.edu/Giving and including "Marie T. Ryan Annual Scholarship" in the special message section.

Gifts may also be made by phone by contacting the University Advancement Office at 815-836-5966 or by mail to:

Lewis University

UA 292

One University Parkway

Romeoville, IL 60446-2200

Please include "Marie T. Ryan Endowed Scholarship" in the memo section of the check.

The Student Support Fund at Joliet Central High School assists students with financial needs such as student fees, replacement laptop chargers, or other needs. You can mail donations to:

Student Support Fund

Joliet Central High School

Attn: Principal's Office

201 E. Jefferson St.

Joliet, IL 60432

Please include "Marie T Ryan Memorial Fund" in the memo section of the check.

Funeral Live Stream ( Watch Here )

Memorial Visitation on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Lewis University/St Charles Borromeo Chapel (101 W. Airport Rd., Romeoville, IL 60446) from 11:00am to 1:00pm.

Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Lewis University/St Charles Borromeo Chapel (101 W. Airport Rd.) at 1:30pm.

Arrangements by O'NEIL FUNERAL HOME 1105 E. 9th St., Lockport.  For Info: (815) 838-5010 or www.oneilfuneralhome.com