Marilyn Joan Hanson Ryder

Marilyn Joan (Hanson) Ryder passed peacefully on March 26, 2026, at age 92. Born in Malden, MA the 6th child of the late Thurlow and Wilhelmina (Anderson) Hanson. Marilyn was raised by her mother. Most of her childhood was in the Boston area, before a move to Harwich to complete High School. Marilyn graduated from Harwich High School in 1951 with a scholarship to Framingham State Teacher’s College; graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1955. Marilyn taught home economics and culinary arts in various High Schools on Cape Cod. Marilyn was very creative and artistic. Her crochet, knitting, and cross-stitch skills appear in intricate gifts she made for friends and family. Marilyn enjoyed playing piano, singing in the choir, and golf with the lady’s groups at Cranberry Valley, in Harwich, and Brandywine Bay, in Morehead City.

Marilyn, raised 7 children on Cape Cod with her husband Earl, worked as a substitute teacher, baker, waitress, store clerk, and cake decorator. After Earl retired, they moved to North Carolina. She applied her experience to work as manager of convenience stores, a gift shop, and the deli/bakery for Food Lion. Marilyn, after Earl’s passing, resided in Morehead City enjoying golf with her sons, lunches with her daughters, and crafting with fellow seniors.

Marilyn is preceded by her husband, Earl P. Ryder, and sisters, Geraldine McNeil, Dorothy McKinnon, and Ruth Callahan; and three brothers, Charles, Robert, and William Hanson.

She is survived by five sons, Steven & wife, Carolyn, Carl & wife, Stephanie, David & wife, Donna, Douglas, and John & wife, Debbie; two daughters, Jacqueline & husband, Guy Thomas Taylor and Patricia & husband, Frank Bayer. Marilyn leaves four grandchildren, Jessica Woolard & husband, Mark, Ryan Taylor, Lindsay McGillen & husband, Adam, and Kevin Ryder and wife, Amber; and eight great-grandchildren, Taytum, Maddi, Brycen, Jack, Wade, Kayleigh, Kinsley, and Kamden.

Those interested in joining a Celebration of Life for Marilyn, please contact Patricia Bayer. The family will hold a private graveside memorial at a later date. The family request that in lieu of Flowers, please make a donation to a Hospice program of your choosing.