Cynthia Jane Carey

She was born Cynthia Jane Ryan on Feb. 17, 1959, in Saranac Lake to Joan A. Ryan and the late Francis T. Ryan. She was the fourth of six children.

Janie always enjoyed hiking and the outdoor life that growing up in the Adirondacks afforded. She was a true-to-heart “mountain girl” and treasured many years of living on Mount Madonna between Gilroy and Watsonville, California, where she spent most of her adult life. Once, when working at the Mount Madonna Inn, she was delighted to meet Clint Eastwood, whom she commented reminded her of her dad in both looks and personality.

Janie was a boisterous, energetic and happy young girl. A fond memory from her youth was when Jane and her siblings took skiing lessons at Mount Pisgah. They were bused for lessons from St. Bernard’s School to the mountain, where they got to use the original “rope tow” and get pulled up the hill. Janie also spent many a carefree day at the William Morris Playground frolicking with her siblings, cousins and friends.

From birth until age 15, Janie lived in Saranac Lake and attended St. Bernard’s elementary and Saranac Lake Middle School. She was very outgoing and had loving bonds with family and friends, who adored her.

At 15, Janie moved to Hollister, California, with her mom, dad and younger siblings, where she continued her high school education. Janie was often counseled and mentored by a former priest from Saranac Lake who had also moved out to Hollister and was a friend of the family, Father Thomas Tucker.

Janie is survived by her only son, Peter Thomas Ryan, who was born on Sept. 6, 1975, in Watsonville, California. She was so proud and happy to be Peter’s mother.

Janie returned to Saranac Lake numerous times throughout the years but would always gravitate back to the Watsonville area to live.

Jane married the late Patrick Carey in January 2000 and lived a quiet and happy 10 years in their beautiful home on Bella Vista Lane in Watsonville, California. Jane was an avid gardener, and her flowers were something to see. She loved to work outside with her hands. She was also a nature enthusiast besides being a strong hiker; Jane enjoyed many trips to our national parks to explore, camp and just enjoy be outdoors to take in the beauty. Jane also loved going to opera performances.

Jane was predeceased by her father Francis T. Ryan and former husband Patrick. She is lovingly survived and remembered by her mother Joan Ryan; son Peter Ryan and fiancee Lisa St. John; her grandsons Slater Moody, Samuel Cushman and Addis Modest; as well as her five siblings: Shiva Ma Ryan (Jeanne) and partner Dev Ram, Joanne Ryan Terrien and husband Tom, Francis D. Ryan and wife Darlene, Rosemary Ryan Davis and husband Curran, and Daniel T. Ryan and partner Rhonda.

Jane will also be fondly remembered by her many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 26 at Fortune-Keough Funeral Home, 20 Church St., Saranac Lake. A Mass of Christian burial will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 27 at St. Bernard’s Church in Saranac Lake with the Rev. Patrick Ratigan officiating.

Saranac Lake family and friends will gather after the church service at the Downhill Grill on Main Street in Saranac Lake, owned by Janie’s cousins, the Lawless family.

The family will also host a Celebration of Life this summer, in the first week of July. This will be held in Saranac Lake. At this time there will be camping, hiking, swimming and all sorts of outdoor activities. Delicious potluck picnic dishes will be served daily. All this family fun will help us remember our childhoods and the “Good Old Days” growing up in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains, Janie’s wonderful childhood home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Janie’s memory to High Peaks Hospice (Saranac Lake Division), St. Bernard’s School, Saranac Lake Volunteer Fire Department or North Country Life Flight.