Colleen Bartosch Ryan:
A Life of Service, Compassion, and Joy
When COVID-19 struck, Colleen Bartosch Ryan, a 1966 graduate of St. Mary’s Academy (SMA) in Wisconsin, initiated Sunday morning Zoom video calls to keep her extended family connected.
Family means everything to Colleen. With her late husband Jim Ryan, she raised eight children. Today, alongside her second husband, Tom Merz, Colleen cherishes her adult children and 15 grandchildren.
Raising eight kids wasn’t easy, but Colleen, affectionately nicknamed “Bullets” by her children, embraced the challenge with humor and resilience. “You had to be tough with eight kids,” she laughs. But amidst the toughness, there was plenty of joy. Colleen and Jim instilled strong values of independence, kindness, and faith in their children, all of whom attended Catholic schools and universities, many following in Jim’s footsteps at the University of Notre Dame.
Rooted in Franciscan Values
Colleen’s journey began at SMA, where she and her twin sister Christy (Christine Bartosch Ralphs) attended. While Christy thrived academically, Colleen admits she was a bit of a rebel. “I did everything I wasn’t supposed to do,” she jokes. Yet, it was Sister Joanne Nicgorski, the Glee Club moderator, who made her feel valued despite the mischief. After high school, Colleen worked as a stewardess for Northwest Airlines for six years before dedicating herself to caring for her growing family. Meanwhile, Christy pursued a successful career as a residential and commercial interior designer. She was one of the founders of Club Monaco and, later on, a partner in Lloyd Ralphs Design. While each followed different paths, they remained close and never forgot the Franciscan values instilled by the Sisters.
New Convent and iPads
Deeply moved by the Sisters’ selfless service and sacrifice, Colleen made her first major gift in 2018 for the Sisters’ new convent. Later, inspired by a conversation with Sister Ellen Carr during the pandemic, Colleen donated iPads to keep Sisters connected with loved ones. “I couldn’t imagine not being able to see my family,” she reflects. “So, I wanted to help the Sisters stay in touch also.”
Colleen’s gesture of kindness speaks volumes about her compassionate nature.
In 2021, Christy succumbed to cancer. In Christy’s last days, Sister Ellen arranged a special Mass that was livestreamed to her hospital room from St. Francis Convent. During Mass, Sisters shared their recollections of Christy in high school. As she watched, Colleen was struck by how many Sisters were in wheelchairs or using walkers. “It was a real eye-opener to the current life of these Sisters who have given so much and don’t ask for anything in return.”
Colleen’s journey is a testament to resilience, compassion, and generosity. From nurturing her family, to supporting the Sisters and other organizations, Colleen leaves a legacy of love, faith, and joy that will endure for generations to come.