She was a wonderful mother, tenacious reporter and passionate leader. Those are just some of the many compliments you heard about former 11Alive consumer reporter Marie Ryan.
Ryan peacefully passed away December 14th after a hard fought battle against the recurrence of breast cancer. She was 63.
Ryan worked as on air investigative/consumer reporter for 20 years for 11Alive and WECT/WLRN. Her fearless journalistic style led her to accomplish many accolades, such as winning six Emmy Awards. It was Ryan's ability to speak truth to power that made her legendary.
"Marie could 'kick in a door' like no one else I ever worked with," CB Hackworth said in a Facebook post.
The Boston College graduate was not only a feminist leader, but a truth seeker, her obituary states.
From exposing telemarketers who raised money in the name of law enforcement to bringing the audience along throughout her journey with breast cancer --many said Ryan was a dedicated journalist who was committed to righting wrongs and keeping the public informed. Atlanta consumers knew they could count on Ryan's trustworthy "toy tests" among other things.
Former 11Alive investigative report, Marie Ryan, passes away to breast cancer
Many colleagues, family and friends are still working to accept her passing.
"There are no words. I’m in shock over Marie’s death. I loved her big heart as much as her fearless journalistic style," said former 11Alive reporter Donna Lowry in a Facebook post.
In her spare time she loved riding horses on her farm, swimming in the Biscayne Bay, and attending her church on Brickell, according to her obituary.
"Ryan was a passionate person and always stood up for what she believed in, and the people she loved," the obituary states.
"Feisty, thorough and sweet. An unusual combination from an unusual person. I am so sorry and am only glad that I was able to know Marie as a friend and colleague. My good fortune and our collective loss," wrote Michael Zakel, former 11Alive photographer in a Facebook post.
She leaves behind her two daughters, Caroline and Madison, her mother Emily Romfh, three sisters, Nancy, Karen and Julie, one brother, Jay, and her dog, Ellie.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Tuesday December 18th at First Miami Presbyterian Church at 609 Brickell Avenue, Miami, FL 33131. Instead of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Planned Parenthood or the ASPCA.
Information provided through Miami Herald's Obituary and current and past 11Alive employees.