WILTON — Mary Ryan was recognized Sunday, May 26, for the many ways she has contributed to her church and other area organizations. Mary Ryan is recognized as a “Saint of the Church” Sunday morning, May 26, by the First Congregational Church UCC of Wilton. Pam Harnden/Livermore Falls Advertiser The Church Council of the First Congregational Church UCC recognized Ryan as a “Saint of the Church.
” “While there’s no formal definition of a saint, you recognize one when you see one,” Donna Peare noted. “A saint is a person who goes above and beyond to serve our church.” Judy Upham said Ryan grew up in Wilton, went away to college, and taught biology for many years in Brookline, Massachusetts, before moving back to Wilton when her mother needed help as she aged.
“I probably first met Mary on the tennis court,” Upham noted. “She is well known for her wicked forehand. She has been very instrumental in helping to keep the Academy Hill School tennis courts functional by helping to organize and oversee a popular tennis tournament to raise funds for maintenance.
” Arline Amos remembers meeting Ryan in fourth grade when they outgrew primary schools and headed to Wilton Central Grammar School for the next five years. “We shared the same elementary teachers, Girl Scout leaders, recreational events, and most high school classes until graduation,” Amos said. “I remember sharing the same music instructors.
Mary was one of the sharpest students and was happy to h.