Page created by: T Ryan Stewart

My mother, Joyce Ryan, was the wife of Ivan E Ryan for 68 years, they had 4 children, 10 grandchildren, and 9 greatgrand children. Joyce was diagnosed with Parkinson's in her late 70's. While my mother was navigating Parkinson's, she took care of my father, Ivan, who had Alzheimer's for over 9 years. Joyce was an avid quilter, and she also took a training course and was appointed by a judge to be a volunteer for GAL. GAL is a North Carolina Guardian Ad Litem Program. For several years Joyce was with the GAL, she loved being an advocate for children of Murphy, NC. She had to give up her time with GAL when my father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Coincidentally, my mom’s sister-in-law who lived in Illinois also was diagnosed with Parkinson’s late in life.