Sr. Leorita Ryder, CSJ, died May 5 in Kalamazoo. A vigil service was May 8, and Mass of Christian Burial was May 9 followed by interment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery at Nazareth.

Marion Ryder was born in Detroit on March 28, 1910, the daughter of Joseph and Isabelle (Dinnen) Ryder. She was a member of St. Benedict Parish in Highland Park at the time of her entrance into the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Nazareth on June 26, 1927. She received the name Sr. Leorita at her reception on March 19, 1928. She pronounced first vows on Aug. 25, 1930, and final vows on Aug. 25, 1933. Sr. Ryder is the sister of Fr. Joseph Ryder, a retired archdiocesan priest.

Sr. Ryder earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Nazareth College. She pursued graduate studies at Fordham University in New York, the University of Detroit and National College in Evanston, Ill. For 49 years, Sr. Leorita ministered as a teacher and principal in several schools of the congregation, including St. Philip Neri in Detroit, St. Joan of Arc in St. Clair Shores, St. Veronica in Eastpointe and St. Gerard in Lansing. In 1978, she accepted a new ministry in the Pastoral Care Department at St. John Hospital in Detroit, and five years later she became secretary to the SSJ regional coordinator in the Detroit area. Sr. Ryder moved to Nazareth in 1989 to join the Nazareth House administrative team. She retired in 1994.

Service in love and faith clearly describe the life of Sr. Ryder. She was a woman of wisdom whose personal presence, support and ability to listen to others were traits for which she was known. Sr. Ryder possessed strong administrative and organizational skills, which were a tremendous asset to those ministries in which she served God’s people. She was a “people” person, and she cherished her family, SSJ community and the many friends who walked life’s journey with her. She appreciated their love and support, which challenged and sustained her throughout the years. May Sr. Ryder now enjoy eternal rest and peace in the presence of a loving God.

Sr. Ryder is survived by a brother, Fr. Joseph Ryder of West Bloomfield, nieces and nephews.

Memorials to the Congregation of St. Joseph, 3427 Gull Road, P.O. Box 29, Nazareth, MI 49074-0029.