We Remember
RYAN, Michelle Marie
April 3, 1971 — November 21, 2025
Michelle Marie Ryan was born on April 3, 1971 in North York, Ontario and died on November 21, 2025 in Kelowna, British Columbia at the age of 54, a week after falling into a coma from a series of strokes that stunned everyone who knew her. It felt unfair in the way life often is, sudden and absurd, leaving people trying to make sense of a world that had changed without asking permission.
She is survived by her parents, John and Norma Ryan; her sister, Cheryl Fisher, and her brother-in-law, Dan; her nieces, Kailey and Cianna; her nephew, Connor; her uncle, Jim Ryan; and her many cousins. Each of them could tell a different story about Michelle, though all of them would land on the same point in the end. She was warm, loving, compassionate and fiercely loyal of her family and friends. She was very determined and stubborn in the best and worst ways. And she was the person you called when something broke because she would figure it out, even if it meant inventing a solution nobody else would have considered, a regular ” Ms. MacGyver”.
She was predeceased by her dogs, Abby and Teagan, who had been her constant companions. The sort of dogs who made you think that people do not deserve animals quite as loyal as that.
Michelle loved being outdoors, whether she was camping, fishing, or simply disappearing into the quiet of the trees. She held three families close: Her own family; her school community; and, the circle of people who shared her time at her cabin at Bear Lake, which was, of course, her “happiest place”
Michelle had been a dedicated member of School District 23 since 1997 as a full time CEA working with many different children. This year marks her 29th year of service with the district. For the past few years, she worked at Kelowna Secondary School and prior to that, she spent 12 year’s at Glenrosa Middle School. She also worked at countless other schools in the district over her years of service. Michelle’s commitment and care left a huge impact on the lives of countless students and colleagues that she worked with. Her influence on the students she supported continues to echo in a way that cannot be neatly measured, it is boundless.
Michelle had a great love for her sports, especially hockey, ringette and baseball. In her younger years she played both male and female hockey and found a new passion in the game of ringette playing at the higher levels. Michelle also during her time of playing took up being a referee for both hockey and ringette. She also had a great passion for coaching ringette and truly was an amazing coach putting her heart and soul into every team she coached. Michelle made a great impact on so many players and parents on and off the ice.
Those who loved her carry her with them, not as a grand idea but as a steady presence. She remains with them in spirit, woven into the ordinary days she made better.
Memorial donations in memory of Michelle may be sent to BC SPCA.
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BC SPCA Link: www.spca.bc.ca
Condolences
Michelle had a heart of gold and she loved her family beyond words. I remember like it was yesterday Cheryl and I talking with Michelle about Cheryl getting in trouble again for sneaking out. Michelle looked at both of us in the eye and chuckled saying “ well you obviously didnt learn from me cause. I never got caught”. Michelle will be missed greatly.
I had the great pleasure of working with Michelle at GMS. She had this incredible way of connecting with our most vulnerable students. They listened to her because they respected her. She let them know that they were seen and cared for. My heart goes out to her family and friends. A profound loss that has come much, much too soon.
Our deepest sympathy to .Michelle’s family and countless friends, of which we were part of. Michelle was a wonderful person with many talents and one of her favorite phrases was “I will work it out” and she did. Going to miss you so much our dear friend
My heart is broken and cannot believe Michelle is gone. I have so many memories of her and I as kids. I attended many hockey and ringette games and was always so proud of how she kept her cool (most times). We were supposed to meet up in Kamloops a few weeks ago with Cheryl too but sadly that didn’t happen. I’m going to miss her smile and laugh. Omg her laugh. I’m sending you all hugs and love while you learn your new normal without her. Love to you all and heartfelt condolences xoxo
Judy
Michelle was someone who cared, I only knew her through ringette but she cared for the players, she was excited with them when they did well and comforting when they did not. she had impact on those she touched. It saddens me to hear of her passing, she will be remembered.
I worked with Michelle at GMS and her ability to connect with at risk youth was admirable. Her kind heart and perseverance would win over even the most challenging students. She managed to see the best in kids when they were at their worst. She lives on through the kindness she extended to all the young people she supported.
I knew Michelle through her ringette family. I watched her coach many teams over the years. And it was easy to see her excitement and effort she put into the kids.
A true testament of the person she was.
My condolences.
It is a great loss to suddenly have Michelle no longer with us. Michelle not only had such an amazing way with the students but compassion and time for her colleagues as well. We were so privileged to have her working with us at GMS. Working in a behaviour support role is such an complex and important job and it just seemed so natural to her to be there for people. She was with them while they went through all sorts of things and always had a kind ear, a firm hand, and words of wisdom. I remember and appreciate that she had a heart of patience and kindness and showed unconditional belief in all the kids she worked with. She knew that they could all do well and she treated them as such. Thank you so much for everything, Michelle. We will miss you terribly.
michelle was one of the best people i’ve ever had in my life she helped me through so much at gms and always helped me when no one else would thank you so much michelle for changing my life i’ll miss you so much
Michelle, you were so kind to me when I was in the worst years of my life. You had an open door policy for all of your “kids”, and truly you cared for us all as if we were your own, you were the kindest, most understanding and loving woman I had the pleasure of meeting. You’d support me, defend me, and help me with anything I needed. You were truly a saint and without you I wouldn’t be the woman I am today, your kindness saved my life. Your strength that you showed each and every student to have is truly inspiring, your memory will live on in every student you helped and the family of every student. Thank you Ms. Ryan for every single thing you did for me.