Margaret Bonner-Ryan died peacefully in New York City on February 4 after a long illness. She was 86.

Margaret was born on July 25, 1940, in Donegal, Ireland, to Hugh and Margaret Bonner. In 1959, she emigrated to the United States, first settling in Philadelphia before making New York City her home in 1961.

In 1971, she married Noel Ryan in New York. They shared more than 50 years of marriage until Noel’s passing in 2024. In their later years, they lived in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey, where they enjoyed a home overlooking the water.

Margaret had a lifelong love of cats and rarely missed the daily New York Times crossword. She was warm, generous, and quick with a good-humored remark — qualities that endeared her to family and friends alike.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Noel; her parents, Hugh and Margaret Bonner; her brother, Cahal Bonner; and her nephew and godson, John Cahillane.

Margaret is survived by her sisters Anne Cahillane, Marjorie Mulreany, Sally Bonner, and Mena Bonner; her brothers Paddy Bonner and Seamus Bonner; her sisters-in-law Breeda Ryan, Helen Ryan, Maryanne Bonner, and Cathy Bonner; and by her many nieces and nephews, all of whom she cherished.

A memorial service will be held at Posten-McGinley Funeral Home in Atlantic Highlands from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, with a celebration of life to follow at The Dublin House in Red Bank.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Monmouth County SPCA.