Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Rylander, a long time resident of Darien, passed away on Wednesday, January 23, 2008 at Stamford Hospital. Born in 1922 in Stamford, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Elsie (Cumiskey) Deenihan. She was 85.

Betty was a graduate of Stamford High School, class of 1940. During World War II she served with the U.S. Navy as a Pharmacists Mate. Betty was a long time parishioner of St. Thomas More R.C. Church and was one of the founding members of the Mothers Circle. She also volunteered for Meals on Wheels for over 30 years and was past president of Catholic Charities. Betty worked for the Town of Darien as the Democratic Registrar of Voters for almost 20 years.

Betty is survived by a son, Brien W. Rylander of Walpole, MA; two daughters, Sharon R. Hanrahan of Chadds Ford, PA and Lisa R. Wolak of Darien; and six grandchildren, John Hanrahan, Bill Hanrahan, Peter Rylander, Emily Rylander, Victoria Wolak and Olivia Wolak. She was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, William L. Rylander, who passed away in 2002; and two sisters, Joan D. Foster and Patricia Ramdeen.

Friends may call at the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Post Road, Darien on Sunday, January 27, 2008 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Thomas More R.C. Church, 374 Middlesex Road, Darien on Monday, January 28, 2008 at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at St. John Cemetery, Darien.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Post 53 Ambulance Service, P. O. Box 2066, Darien, CT 06820.

Funeral Home:

Edward Lawrence Funeral Home

2119 Post Road

Darien, CT

USA 06820