Frances Hurley Ryan, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away on Dec. 29, 2025, in Austin, Texas.
Born April 17, 1934, in Seaford to Berniece and Frank Hurley, Frances loved dancing—ballet and Spanish styles—and was crowned Miss Seaford in 1952, later placing first runner-up in the Miss Delaware pageant.
She attended Penn State University before transferring to the University of Texas at Austin, earning a degree in English with a minor in French and Spanish. She married John Ryan, and they raised four children—Steve, Michael, Susan, and Bonnie—while living in Texas, Trinidad, and Colombia.
In 1968, the family settled in Houston, Texas, where Frances worked in real estate, raised her family, and was active in her church. She led prayer groups and devoted much of her time to spreading God’s word. She later moved to Austin to be near her children and grandchildren, sharing her love, faith, and warmth with all who knew her.
Frances was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Ruth Allen; her brother, Edward Hurley; her son, Steve Ryan; and her husband, John Ryan. She is survived by her children, Michael, Susan, and Bonnie; her grandchildren, Madison, Van, Sam, Kate, Mason, and Joshua; and her great-grandchild, Oliver. She was lovingly called “Mom Mom” by her grandchildren.