Mary Rita Ryder (nee Carr), age 96, passed away peacefully at her home in Broomall on October 3, 2025.  She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  Born in Bryn Mawr, Mary was the daughter of the late Anthony and Mary (nee Connolly) Carr. Mary often reminisced about her idyllic childhood growing up in the Garrett Hill section of Radnor Township with summers spent in Wildwood. She was a graduate of St. Thomas of Villanova Elementary School and St. Katherine of Siena High School. A member of the Pioneers of Bell, Mary worked for Bell Telephone as a service representative and account analyst for over 23 years.

Mary married the love of her life, Richard Henri Ryder, on October 5, 1957. Dick preceded her in death in 1991 after 34 years of marriage.  Mary and Dick settled in Broomall, PA where they raised four children and were members of St. Pius X Church since 1963.  Mary had a love for history and for old homes. She volunteered with the Thomas Massey House in Broomall from 1994-2020.  In 1985, she and Dick purchased the oldest house in Marple Township, built in 1683, and they maintained its history in the township.  She spent many summer weekends in Cape May and especially looked forward to their Victorian Weekend celebrations. Mary was a lovely host and always opened the doors of her historic home to host parties and holidays. She had a gift for bringing people together and always found a reason to celebrate.  Mary lived a full life - she knew it and she was grateful for it.

In addition to her husband, Mary was preceded in death by two sons, Richard H. Ryder, Jr. and Christopher A. Ryder. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Beth Bower (Robert) of Fort Myers, FL and her son, Gary S. Ryder of Broomall, PA. She leaves behind six grandchildren, Jacqueline Gracely (Jorge), Kelly Gracely, Haley Ryder, Chris Ryder, Jr. (Lindsay), Nicole Stein (River) and Sarah Minchella (Steve) along with four great-grandchildren Jemma and Stephen Minchella and Salem and Grey Ryder.

Mary's Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Friday, October 10th at St. Pius X Church, 220 Lawrence Rd., Broomall, PA 19008.  There will be a visitation in the church from 9-10am. Burial will follow mass at SS. Peter & Paul Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation .