Kelly Ryan, 57

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. —  Kelly Lynn Ryan, 57, of Williamstown died on Friday, December 15, 2023 at home surrounded by her loving family. The cause was early onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Kelly was born on November 11, 1966 in Stamford, CT, the daughter of Sandra (Slager) Ryan and the late Francis Ryan. She attended New Canaan (CT) High School and received her undergraduate and master’s degrees in Architecture from the University of Michigan. She and her husband David raised their two kids in Brookline and later in Williamstown, MA.

Much of Kelly’s architectural career focused on designing day care facilities for children, including the center at Williams College. She loved designing safe, nurturing environments that allowed children to thrive. Building fun spaces at a smaller, child-friendly scale was her passion.

Endlessly creative, Kelly worked in many mediums. She produced linoleum block prints of Boston’s Big Dig machinery, watercolors of Adirondack wildflowers, Christmas stockings in fine needlepoint, intricate cable-knit sweaters, and handmade Halloween costumes.

Her unassuming, easygoing personality drew in strangers and friends alike. Full of love and freckles, Kelly’s easy laugh brightened anyone who encountered it. Always engaging, she never said no to a board game or a round of ping pong.

Kelly loved to bike, whether her daily commute to work, or along the Cape Cod Rail Trail. She also enjoyed camping with her family – taking vigorous hikes, long lake swims, and playing euchre by candlelight.

Kelly leaves her husband David McGowan of Williamstown, MA and her two children, Kendall McGowan of NY and Brennan McGowan of VT, her brother, Dean Ryan (Gerri) of Fairfield, CT, and her mother, Sandra Ryan of New Canaan, CT.

FUNERAL NOTICE: At the request of the family there will presently be no services for Kelly. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Childcare of the Berkshires, the Alzheimer’s Association, or the charity of your choice. Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Homes – CENTRAL CHAPEL 74 Marshall St. North Adams, MA 01247 is entrusted with arrangements.