Ryan, Mary Claudia Bergstrom

Mary Claudia Bergstrom Ryan, 84, of Chandler, Arizona died on October 4, 2023. She lived in her home in Chandler, close to her family until her death.

She was born in Spencer, Iowa to George and Helen Bergstrom. She was a graduate of Spencer High School; the University of Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts; and Arizona State University, where she completed graduate studies in Graphics, Fine Art and Audio-Visual Education. She taught school in the Chandler Unified School District for many years and impacted the lives of hundreds of children. She was active in community affairs in Chandler, including serving as past president of Chandler Service Club and being named a Life Member, sitting on the Chandler Arts Commission, and volunteering many hours at St. Mary’s Church and School. She was very artistic and enjoyed competing in swimming and tennis. Later in life she channeled her competitive spirit into bridge which she excelled at right up until her death.

She loved spending time with her daughters Molly (Donald Smith) and Elizabeth (Judge Jeffrey Rueter). She adored her grandchildren Danielle and Andrew Gerken, Devon Ryan, Jake, Madeleine and Kathryn Rueter and her great-grandchildren Dylan Slocumb, Zavier, Zayden and Maizie Green and Zadie Gerken. She is also survived by her brother, Dr. Jon F. Bergstrom (Janan). She was predeceased by her husband of fifty-six years, Conway Thomas Ryan.

A vigil will be held from 6-8 pm on Monday, October 16, 2023, at Bueler Mortuary, 14 W. Hulet Drive, Chandler, AZ. Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at      11:00 am at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, 230 W. Galveston Street, Chandler, AZ.