Mary DeMilia
Mary DeMilia of Raleigh, NC, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at Templeton of Cary NC. She was born on July 7, 1971, in Belleville, New Jersey, the daughter of John Ryan and Vivian (Steransky) Ryan and is survived by her parents, her children Ryan DeMilia and Michelle DeMilia, and many extended family members who love her.
Mary spent her earliest years in Hoboken, NJ, moving to Nutley, NJ at a young age where she grew up just a few blocks from her grandparents, Timothy J. (Jr.) and Eleanore Ryan. Mary was an adored granddaughter and the apple of their eye! She graduated from Nutley High School in 1989, where she was a core member of the Nutley High School swim team. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Biology at Lehigh University in 1993, competing on the Lehigh swim team as well. She spent nearly two decades living and working in and around Raleigh, where in 2019, she completed coursework in cybersecurity, cyber and computer forensics and counterterrorism at Wake Technical Community College and began her new career as a Marketing and Database Analyst.
Competitive swimming remained an important part of Mary’s life, and she combined this talent with her commitment to volunteerism; one of her proudest achievements was to help raise over $125,000 towards cancer research as an Event Director for Swim Across America in 2011. Mary’s volunteer efforts were widespread and varied, including as Coach & Fundraising Lead for the Science Olympiad, a “shavee” for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, and a two-time cyclist for Le Tour de Femme in Cary, NC to benefit the Livestrong Foundation and the Angel Fund of Rex Hospital. Passionate about athletics, she enjoyed cycling, hiking, snorkeling, and water polo.
Above all, Mary was a dedicated mother and fierce friend, with a strong yet gentle spirit and a laugh that rang out with pure joy. She lived her life with courage and kindness, and her children were always foremost in her heart and mind. Mary was and will always be greatly loved, and she will be deeply missed by her many friends and family.