Eileen L. Ryan, of Acton, formerly of Concord, died at Emerson Hospital on January 6, 2024, following a brief illness. She was 81.

Eileen was born in Brighton on November 28, 1942, as the daughter of the late Maurice and Lydia (Pearson) Ryan. The family lived in Roxbury and Newton prior to settling in Concord in 1956. She graduated from Concord High School in 1960, where she was a member of the cheerleading squad.

After attending nursing school in Syracuse, New York, Eileen "Nurse Nana" began a long and rewarding career as a compassionate and well-respected Licensed Practical Nurse, which included working for many years at Winter Park Hospital in Florida and at Emerson Hospital in Concord for over twenty years.

Once she retired from Emerson, Eileen enjoyed vacationing during the winter months at the Sandpiper in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, where she made many lifelong friends. She also loved spending time at A New Leaf in Concord, helping wherever needed and chatting with the customers.

Her appreciation of nature was apparent in her enjoyment of gardening and caring for her feathered friends while trying to outsmart those pesky squirrels. She also found pleasure with her natural artistic talent, tastefully decorating her home where she loved to entertain her family, friends and coworkers. She was an outstanding cook and baker and will be forever remembered for her magnificent cookies.

As her health declined over the years, Eileen demonstrated such strength and stamina, showing her family what a strong woman she truly was. She will be so missed and will always be remembered for her love and determination.

She was the devoted mother of Donald Sloan and his wife Beth (Silvio) of Acton, Michael Sloan of Geneva, IL, Timothy Sloan of San Diego, CA, and John Sloan and his wife Nancy (Seaburg) of Townsend. She was the beloved Nana of Patrick Sloan, Jennifer (Sloan) O'Brien and her husband Brendan and Andrew Sloan, and the proud great-grandmother of Bennett and Sloan O'Brien. Eileen also leaves behind her brother, Maurice Ryan and his wife Sue of Concord, along with dear nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Nancy Martinson and Janice Ryan.

Family and friends will celebrate Eileen's life during visiting hours at Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street, Concord Center on Thursday, January 11th from 4 to 7 pm. Her funeral will be held on Friday, January 12th at 9 am from Dee Funeral Home, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 am in St. Bernard's Church at Holy Family Parish, 12 Monument Square, Concord Center.  To attend the Mass remotely via church live stream, please click here .  Private burial will be held at a later date in St. Bernard's Cemetery, Concord.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Eileen's memory may be made to Emerson Health Foundation .

Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.