Marge Ryan has always lived by a simple philosophy: “If you can do it, you do it.”
Ryan’s creed explains her approach to volunteering her time for several organizations.
“I like to help out,” Ryan said. “I like to feel like I’m doing something useful. At least, I hope I’m being useful.”
Ask anyone involved with the senior citizens in Weehawken and they’ll tell you just how vital a person she is.
Ryan is involved in all of the senior citizen programs and events in the township. She helps to set up and organize all of the special functions, while assisting with the daily chores of the kitchen at the Senior Nutritional Center.
She also takes the time to transport many of her friends and neighbors to their assorted appointments and rounds as the designated senior township chauffeur.
But Ryan does more than work with fellow seniors. She also acts as a chaperone for school trips at the Roosevelt School and gives her time to St. Anthony’s School in Union City and St. Joseph’s Home of the Blind in Jersey City.
For five years, Ryan volunteered in the gift shop at Sloan Kettering Hospital in New York and was a camp counselor at the Camp Fatima summer camp for disabled children.
“My daughter was 15 years old and had a bump on her hand,” Ryan said. “It turned out to be a tumor on the bone. Thank God, the tumor was benign, but I vowed that if they could do anything to help her, that I would be willing to help them. She had to receive treatment for a year but she was fine. I still went every Sunday because of the wonderful care she received.”
To honor Ryan for her years of service, the township of Weehawken has selected her as their Senior Citizen of the Year. She will receive her award, along with the other top seniors in Hudson County, at the annual luncheon at the Casino in the Park in Jersey City on May 3.
Ryan was asked about her reaction when she found out she was receiving the award.
“Oh, my God,” Ryan said. “That’s what I said. Oh, my God. That was it. I was absolutely stunned. I never dreamed of anything like this. I had no idea that they would pick me. I was flattered, but I was also very shocked.”
Dedication
Kudos came from Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner.
“Marge is a prime example of just how dedicated the seniors in this town are when it comes to volunteering their time,” Turner said. “A lot of the volunteer help in the town always seems to fall on the seniors and they always come through with great efforts. But Marge goes above and beyond the call, helping with practically every senior activity, as well as other activities. It’s nice that we’re able to recognize her efforts.”
Carmela Facchini, the director of senior citizen services for the township, agreed.
“The most impressive thing about Marge is the kindness that she shows in all of her actions,” Facchini said. “She only refuses to give of her time when she has already promised to help someone else. And she’s always helping. She truly does a great job helping everyone. She’s indispensable.”
Ryan, who worked for more than 20 years as vault clerk for Solomon Brothers in New York, handling all security transactions, feels blessed to have raised three children. She also has three grandchildren.
And she has no intention of giving up her volunteer efforts.
“As long as I’m able to do so, I’m going to continue,” Ryan said. “I always figured that there’s someone far worse off than I am. That’s the way I’ve always been. Thank God I’ve been blessed with good health and that I’m able to help. I really never give much thought to all I’m doing. I just do it. I’m really not a public person and don’t look for much. I like to stay on the sidelines.”
Ryan was asked if she’s excited about receiving the honor with all the other top senior citizens in the county.
“I don’t want to think about it too much,” Ryan said. “When I think about it, I get this nervous, queasy feeling in my stomach. I am honored, but I’m not used to this attention.”