Carol A. (Harder) Ryan of Putnam, previously Guilford and North Haven, was born on March 5, 1934, and was welcomed home into Christ’s loving embrace on Jan. 11, 2024.

Carol was predeceased by her husband, James J. Ryan; her son, James J. Ryan Jr., Phoenix, Arizona; her granddaughter, Kelsey A. Folmar, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and her grandson, Connor J. Ryan, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and her sisters, Jane Sage and Mary Ducharme. She leaves behind her children: Kathleen Folmar (James) of Oklahoma City, Sharon Ryan-Johnson of Woodstock, Mary-Judith “Judy” Ryan (Ken) of San Antonio, FL, Andrew Ryan of Cromwell, Virginia Sandella (Paul) of Guilford, Peter Ryan of Connecticut and New York, and Matthew Ryan (Michelle) of Gum Spring, Virginia; and her brother David Harder (Donna) of Newton, New Hampshire. “Gram/Grammy/Gigi” now lovingly watches over her twelve grandchildren: Kristen, Lindsay, Luke, Zac, Ian, Amy, Ricky, Kelly, Emily, Elise, Hanne, and Jack; and four great-grandchildren: Zoey, Lily, Tyler, and Axel. Carol also leaves behind numerous loved nieces and nephews.

Carol was born in Utica, New York, to Francis and Mildred Harder. She attended St. Elizabeth College of Nursing in Utica and received a BS to become a registered nurse. As if raising eight children, working full-time, and prioritizing strong relationships with her extended family and friends didn’t keep her busy enough, she went on to receive her second BS in public health from Southern Connecticut State University in her mid-60s. Passionately committed to serving others in need, Carol worked diligently in various roles in senior care facilities (director of nursing, infection control, and wound care) until retiring at the young age of 72. Carol always felt that when it came to her nursing profession, she was born three decades too early. Her unattained dream was to work with either Doctors Beyond Borders, Red Cross Disaster Relief agencies, or the Peace Corps.

Carol and her husband, Jim, raised their children deeply rooted in the Catholic faith. Family, compassion, and service to others were the cornerstone upon which all else was built upon. Carol was a devoted Mom and advocate for her son, Andy. Her brother David and his family were very important to her, and they shared many memories of their youth. She was also deeply loved and respected by the Harder and Wurz families. As one of her Wurz nieces recently said, “Aunt Carol was the glue that held our family together.”

We will always remember Carol when we hear music by her favorite artist, Sade. She was an avid reader of mysteries and World War I and World War II nursing chronicles. Her cookie jar was always full of Oreos, to the delight of all who entered her home. She loved black licorice, a good Manhattan or cosmopolitan, clown figurines, Iris flowers, the color of deep purple, the toast “Here’s to you and here’s to me …,” musical plays and theater, Byers’ Choice carolers and her favorite movie, “What About Bob?” She had a unique and witty sense of humor. Carol was happiest when the entire family would gather for Patriot’s football and big Sunday dinners or around the pool for summer shenanigans. Her 4th of July parties and fireworks were of epic proportions. We will never forget Christmas Eve celebrations with Santa on the fire truck at her home, Thanksgiving dinners for 30 to 40 people, and banging pots on New Year's Eve. Her front door was always open to all.

Carol’s life will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 23, at a Funeral Mass at St. Geroge Catholic Church in Guilford, followed by a burial at All Saints Cemetery in North Haven, where she will be laid to rest next to her husband, son and grandson. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Special Olympics of Connecticut at soct.org or share an act of kindness with someone in need. Arrangements in care of the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church Street, Guilford. To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.