Catherine "Kay" Ryan

Catherine "Kay" Ryan (née Spinner), 91, of Addison. Beloved wife of the late Martin Henry. Loving mother of Casey Heuer, Tim Ryan, James (Lynne) Ryan, Anne Ryan, and Meg Ryan. Dearest grandmother of Katie (Chris) Rosado, Sara (Jose) Rojo, Brandi (Michael), Tom, Rick, Aron, Shaylyn, Kiley, Maura, Grace, Michael, Nicholas (Alyssa), Daniel, and Alexandra. Great-grandmother of many. Fond sister of the late Leslie and the late Barbara.

Visitation Friday, October 3, 2025, from 4–8 PM at Humes Funeral Home, 320 W. Lake St., Addison (2 mi. W. of Rt. 83, 2 mi. E. of Rt. 53). Funeral Service Saturday, October 4, 2025, 9:30 AM from Humes Funeral Home to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Addison, for Mass at 11 AM. Interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside.

There are many wonderful qualities that can be shared about Kay Ryan, but the two things she would most want to be remembered for are her devout Catholic faith and her dedication to teaching. After moving from Oak Park to Addison in 1962, she discovered a new church just a block from her family’s home. She became one of the earliest parishioners at St. Joseph’s Church. All five of her children attended St. Joseph’s School, and Kay subsequently taught there for many years.

She was a charter member of the Catholic Council of Women and served faithfully until the organization was disbanded. As a teacher, she inspired generations of students, many of whom, years later, would recognize her and stop to say, “It’s because of you that I love science!” Kay loved being a teacher. She was full of curiosity and a lifelong learner. She often said that while she could have earned more money teaching in a public school, she felt that teaching in a Catholic school was part of her life’s mission.

In addition to science, Kay was passionate about astrology, all things Egyptian, and nature. She was a longtime subscriber to National Geographic, Nature Magazine, and Archaeology Today.

Kay was an ardent fan of the Addison Public Library. Within a week of moving to Addison, she visited what was then just a simple book-lending room in the municipal building. Once the library was officially established, she proudly obtained her card—becoming one of its earliest patrons, with library card number 7.

Kay was active throughout her life. She played golf for many years and, earlier in life, was a skilled water skier and boat operator especially during summers at Lake Namekagon in Wisconsin. She was a dedicated member of multiple bridge clubs throughout her life.

Kay was also talented with a sewing machine and enjoyed crafting for many years. She attended craft shows and was an active part of the crafting community. Many family members and friends fondly remember the Christmas tree skirts, pillows, and children’s cloth books she designed always adding, “They’re machine washable.”

She also spent many years in Addison as part of the Pink Elephant Brigade. She helped create stuffed pink elephants, which were freely given to pediatric patients at Elmhurst Hospital. Kay supported the hospital in other ways as well, including volunteering at the Elmhurst Hospital resale shop.

Kay will be deeply missed by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friends, students, and community. She leaves behind a lasting legacy of love, family, service, and teaching.