[This memorial was created with the permission and endorsement of Catherine's grandson, family historian Bill Gawne.]
--------------------------------
From Bill Gawne: This was my "Nana Ryan." Short and dark, with laughing brown eyes, it was often said she was proof the Spanish Armada had wrecked off the coast of Ireland:
Catherine "Katie" Josephine Lowney was born March 17, 1892 in Castletown Berehaven, Co. Cork, Ireland .
Her parents were Maurice Lowney (1844-1907) and Mary Holland (1858 – 1927).
Katie's siblings included:
Mary Ann Lowney 1880 – 1949
Julia Lowney 1881 – 1885
Ellen 'Nellie" Lowney 1883 – 1885
Margaret "Maggie" Lowney 1885 – 1885
Agnes Mary Lowney1886 – 1969
Lucy Lowney 1888 – 1893
Abigail Mary "Abbie" Lowney 1890 – 1965
Johanna Mary Lowney 1900 – 1990
John Phillip Lowney 1902 – 1965
Katie was baptized on March 20, 1892 in Sacred Heart Church, Castletownbere, County Cork, Ireland per the following:
Diocese of KERRY , Parish of CASTLETOWNBERE R.C.
Baptism of CATHERINE JOSEPHINE LOWNEY of DERRIMIHIN on 20 March 1892
Name CATHERINE JOSEPHINE LOWNEY
Date of Birth 17 March 1892
Address DERRIMIHIN
Father MAURICE LOWNEY
Mother MARY HOLLAND
Further details in the record
Child Denomination RC
Father Occupation NR
Sponsor 1 JEREMIAH NEILL
Sponsor 1 Address NR
Sponsor 2 MARY ANN LOWNEY
Sponsor 2 Address NR
About the record
Book Number Page Entry Number
2 N/R 7
________________________________
Here is the 1901 residence of the family:
Residents of a house 4 in Derrymihin West (Killaconenagh, Cork)
Surname Forename Age Sex Relation to head Religion Birthplace Occupation Literacy Irish Language Marital Status Specified Illnesses
Lowney Maurice 57 Male Head of Family R Catholic Co Cork Farmer Read and write Irish and English Married -
Lowney Mary 41 Female Wife R Catholic Co Cork Farmer Wife Read and write Irish and English Married -
Lowney Agnes 14 Female Daughter R Catholic Co Cork Scholar Read and write - Not Married -
Lowney Abbie 11 Female Daughter R Catholic Co Cork Scholar Read and write - Not Married -
Lowney Catherine 9 Female Daughter R Catholic Co Cork Scholar Read and write - Not Married -
Lowney Johannah Female Daughter R Catholic Co Cork - Cannot read - Not Married -
____________________________________
The following Ireland Census shows the family in 1911:
Residents of a house 11 in Derrymihin West (Killaconenagh, Cork)
Surname Forename Age Sex Relation to head Religion Birthplace Occupation Literacy Irish Language Marital Status
Specified Illnesses Years Married Children Born Children Living
Lowney Mary 51 Female Head of Family Roman Catholic Co Cork Farmer Read and write Irish and English Widow
- - - -
Lowney Kate 19 Female Daughter Roman Catholic Co Cork - Read and write - Single - - - -
Lowney Johanna 11 Female Daughter Roman Catholic Co Cork Scholar Read and write Irish and English Single - - - -
Lowney John 8 Male Son Roman Catholic Co Cork Scholar Read and write - Single -
___________________________________
From Bill Gawne's mother, Maureen Elizabeth O'Ryan Gawne Ybarra (daughter of Katie and James Ryan)::
They [the younger children of Catherine's sister Mary Ann] lived in their young lives in Inches, Eyeries, Co. Cork which was about 10 miles closer to the Atlantic than Castletown Bere. over the mountains which were called the McGillicudy Reeks. Nana had occasion to go over them every so often with milk when they were little. As a matter of fact, one of those times when she was travelling, around 1902 she met Dr. Bob Rogers grandmother, whose name was Maura, and some other name in Irish which I remember but cannot imagine how to say, which meant she was the strange lady, as she could do things and see things which others could not . She was a sort of healer, somewhat like the brugha of the Spanish. anyhow she told Nana to go a much different way as she would have gone to her death on the way she was headed. over the cliff, as it was foggy. The old lady, made quilts also to keep herself in food.
In 1892 on March 17, St. Patrick's day Catherine Josephine was born . She unlike the others was born with dark hair on a Sunday, and taken to the church that day to be baptized. that was the custom. When she was confirmed she took the name of Mary.
And in 1912, shortly after the Titanic sailed your grandmother, Katie, left home to sail with Agnes who had returned to see her mother in 1911, and regain her health. In that time Katie landed in Boston as Grandfather Lowney, had made all of his children citizens of the USA, in Dublin, at the US consul office. Yes, even then. So none of them landed in Ellis Island.
_____________________________
Boston Passenger Lists, 1820-1943 Record info
about Katie Lowney
Name: Katie Lowney
Arrival Date: 30 May 1912
Age: 20 years
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1892
Gender: Female
Ethnic Background: Irish
Port of Departure: Queenstown, Ireland
Ship Name: Arabic
Port of Arrival: Boston, Massachusetts
Friend's Name: Agnes Powers
Last Residence: Ireland
Microfilm Roll Number: 178
SSAN 367-60-4931
______________________
More from Maureen:
Catherine met James Ryan in Butte, Mt. and married on June 21, 1917, and they eventually moved to Detroit, away from the mines of Butte, to have Jimmy work for Henry Ford who in 1919, was paying his workers $5.00 @ day. They had a girl named Maureen, in Dec. 19,1929. and that was it for them.
__________________________
Katie and Jimmy were married June 21, 1917 in Butte, Montana
Here is the 1920 U.S. Federal Census for Butte, Silver Bow, Montana showing Katie, Jimmy and Nellie Sullivan.
They are residing at 145 East Daly Street:
1920 United States Federal Census
about Katie Ryan
Name: Katie Ryan
Home in 1920: Walkerville, Silver Bow, Montana
Age: 25
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1895
Birthplace: Ireland
Relation to Head of House: Wife
Spouse's Name: James Ryan
Father's Birth Place: Ireland
Mother's Birth Place: Ireland
Marital Status: Married
Race: White
Sex: Female
Year of immigration: 1912
Able to read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Household Members:
Name Age
James Ryan 29; immigrated in 1910, occupation: Miner in copper mine.
Katie Ryan 25; immigrated in 1912, occupation: None.
Nellie Sullivan 17, immigrated in 1914, occupation: Bookkeeper.
_______________________
As a child Catherine was offered a chance to go to the Royal Conservatory in England, by one of the captain's wives, who heard her singing as she was walking down the road to home. In those days the English Navy docked in the harbor at Castletown Bere and the ladies would hire a horse to go for a ride and thus would mix with the locals. She came to grandmother Lowney to ask, and would have won, but grandmother decided she needed her girl at home, not in horrible old England, altho' apparently the same happened to Nana's sister, Maryanne, who was also talented in the artistic way. I imagine all of this came from the Holland source, as the talent of the Lowney's seemed to be to make money in large amounts.
Her cousin and godfather was Brother Thaddeaus of the Christian Brothers. He was stationed in Montreal, Can. at the shrine of St. Joseph. Uncle Pierce went to see him in the twenties, when he went to the shrine, and of course, the old fellow was from the Beara place. I think her godmother was her mom's sister, Catherine but am not sure.
Returned to Ireland with her sister Agnes in 1924. Visited her mother, and both their Mothers-In-Law, and her Father-In-Law Michael Ryan.
__________________________
U.S. Passport Applications, 1795-1925
about Cathrine Ryan
Name: Cathrine Ryan
Birth Date: 17 Mar 1893
Birth Place: Ireland
Residence: 225 Avalon, Highland Park, Michigan
Passport Issue Date: 15 Jul 1924
Father Name: Maurice Lowney
Father's Birth Location: Ireland
Father's Residence: Dead
Passport Includes a Photo: Y
Source: Passport Applications, January 2, 1906 - March 31, 1925 (M1490)
This is the record of her return to the US in 1925 when she accompanied h er brother-in-law, Patrick Ryan
New York Passenger Lists, 1820-1957
about Catherine Ryan
Name: Catherine Ryan
Estimated birth year: abt 1894
Age: 31
Gender: Female
Port of Departure: Cobh, Ireland
Ship Name: President Roosevelt
Port of Arrival: New York, New York
Line: 3
Microfilm Serial: T715
Microfilm Roll: T715_3622
Page Number: 173
Source Citation: Year: 1925; Microfilm serial: T715; Microfilm roll: T7 15_3622; Line: 3; .
_____________________
According to the 1930 US Federal Census, in 1930 the family was living at 33 Tyler Ave., Highland Park, Wayne, Michigan, USA
Household members included:
Household Members: Name Age James Ryan 39; Katherine Ryan 37; Maureen Ryan; Nellie Sullivan 27; Patrick Ryan 26; Peter Ryan 23; Frank Scully 32; Leo Conway 28; and Leo Schonning 23.
_______________________
From her daughter, Maureen, May 2008:
My mother was the shy person of her family, and the dearly beloved one as well. I can see the future children of mine so well in her eyes. She was THEIR nana, and so she will go down in history. For some strange reason they do resemble her in many ways, and for that I am forever grateful. She was gentle kind, and all the things they grew to be. always thinking of others. Just like my friends from school used to say of her. Mrs. Ryan makes the greatest potato salad in the world and then can your m om make it for our picnic? for about fifty kids? oh well. she did it then too. such is life. She made about a bushel each time, so the nuns go t some too. well for now. memories are made of this.
_________________________
The following is an email exchange between family historian Bill Gawne and Cherie Jameison.
Date: Tue, 09 May 2006 07:14:18 -0400
CHERIE: Looking at that [1930] census, it touches me to think that there they all were, dining together--your grandfather James Ryan, your grandmother Catherine Lowney Ryan, their daughter (your mother) Maureen Elizabeth Ryan, James' brothers Patrick and Peter Ryan, and cousin Nell Sullivan. And as they're sitting at the table taking their meals, there would be your mother-a precious little girl less than a year old, the darling of her family. How they must have adored her and made a fuss over her!
BILL: Talking about my grandmother's dining room table... let me tell you about that table. The last time I saw it was last summer. It's in my aunt Marnie's dining room now, in Windsor. (Marnie is my father's only sister.) My grandmother gave it to Marnie when the old house was sold in 1969, and my mother took it across the Detroit river via a couple of station wagon loads. It's a big mahogany thing that can, with all the leaves installed, seat twelve for dinner. Many's the time I've sat at it myself.
________________________________
Catherine Josephine "Katie" Lowney Ryan passed away on May 23, 1974 in Tucson, Pima County, Arizona, USA.
Here is her obituary, from the Tucson Daily Citizen:
RYAN, Catherine Josephine, 82, of Tucson, passed away May 23, 1974. Survived by daughter, Mrs. Maureen Gawne of Tucson; sister, Mrs. Joanna Ware of Detroit; grandsons, William, James, Pierce, Sean, and Patrick Gawne; granddaughters, Agnes, Maureen, Kathleen, and Sheila Gawne of Tucson, great-granddaughter Marianne Gawne of Tucson; niece Mrs. Agnes Foley of Tucson. Rosary will be recited 7 p.m. Saturday in Palms Mortuary Chapel. Friends may call at Palms Mortuary, 5225 E. Speedway, from 4 to 9 p .m. Saturday. Further services and burial will be in Detroit, Mich.
Her funeral mass was celebrated by Fr. Emmett Lowney at Saint Benedict's Church, Highland Park, Wayne County, Michigan, USA.
Katie was buried in Lot 6 of Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, next to her husband James Ryan.
Bill Gawne adds: To locate this grave, drive in through the 11 Mile Road gate, bearing right to the western side of Lot 6. Drive south for about 300 yards, to the place where a road curves off to the right. This is where lots 4, 5, and 6 all abut each other. Look to your left, into lot 6, for a standing marker inscribed with PYZIK-WIER. Walk around this marker, and you'll find Jimmy Ryan's gravesite. It's the fourth grave behind the Pyzik-Wier marker. Catherine is next to Jimmy, and Charlie Ware is immediately above him, going north. Johanna [Johanna Lowney Ware, Katie's sister and wife of Charles Ware] is next to Charlie.
--------------------------------
From Bill Gawne: This was my "Nana Ryan." Short and dark, with laughing brown eyes, it was often said she was proof the Spanish Armada had wrecked off the coast of Ireland:
Catherine "Katie" Josephine Lowney was born March 17, 1892 in Castletown Berehaven, Co. Cork, Ireland .
Her parents were Maurice Lowney (1844-1907) and Mary Holland (1858 – 1927).
Katie's siblings included:
Mary Ann Lowney 1880 – 1949
Julia Lowney 1881 – 1885
Ellen 'Nellie" Lowney 1883 – 1885
Margaret "Maggie" Lowney 1885 – 1885
Agnes Mary Lowney1886 – 1969
Lucy Lowney 1888 – 1893
Abigail Mary "Abbie" Lowney 1890 – 1965
Johanna Mary Lowney 1900 – 1990
John Phillip Lowney 1902 – 1965
Katie was baptized on March 20, 1892 in Sacred Heart Church, Castletownbere, County Cork, Ireland per the following:
Diocese of KERRY , Parish of CASTLETOWNBERE R.C.
Baptism of CATHERINE JOSEPHINE LOWNEY of DERRIMIHIN on 20 March 1892
Name CATHERINE JOSEPHINE LOWNEY
Date of Birth 17 March 1892
Address DERRIMIHIN
Father MAURICE LOWNEY
Mother MARY HOLLAND
Further details in the record
Child Denomination RC
Father Occupation NR
Sponsor 1 JEREMIAH NEILL
Sponsor 1 Address NR
Sponsor 2 MARY ANN LOWNEY
Sponsor 2 Address NR
About the record
Book Number Page Entry Number
2 N/R 7
________________________________
Here is the 1901 residence of the family:
Residents of a house 4 in Derrymihin West (Killaconenagh, Cork)
Surname Forename Age Sex Relation to head Religion Birthplace Occupation Literacy Irish Language Marital Status Specified Illnesses
Lowney Maurice 57 Male Head of Family R Catholic Co Cork Farmer Read and write Irish and English Married -
Lowney Mary 41 Female Wife R Catholic Co Cork Farmer Wife Read and write Irish and English Married -
Lowney Agnes 14 Female Daughter R Catholic Co Cork Scholar Read and write - Not Married -
Lowney Abbie 11 Female Daughter R Catholic Co Cork Scholar Read and write - Not Married -
Lowney Catherine 9 Female Daughter R Catholic Co Cork Scholar Read and write - Not Married -
Lowney Johannah Female Daughter R Catholic Co Cork - Cannot read - Not Married -
____________________________________
The following Ireland Census shows the family in 1911:
Residents of a house 11 in Derrymihin West (Killaconenagh, Cork)
Surname Forename Age Sex Relation to head Religion Birthplace Occupation Literacy Irish Language Marital Status
Specified Illnesses Years Married Children Born Children Living
Lowney Mary 51 Female Head of Family Roman Catholic Co Cork Farmer Read and write Irish and English Widow
- - - -
Lowney Kate 19 Female Daughter Roman Catholic Co Cork - Read and write - Single - - - -
Lowney Johanna 11 Female Daughter Roman Catholic Co Cork Scholar Read and write Irish and English Single - - - -
Lowney John 8 Male Son Roman Catholic Co Cork Scholar Read and write - Single -
___________________________________
From Bill Gawne's mother, Maureen Elizabeth O'Ryan Gawne Ybarra (daughter of Katie and James Ryan)::
They [the younger children of Catherine's sister Mary Ann] lived in their young lives in Inches, Eyeries, Co. Cork which was about 10 miles closer to the Atlantic than Castletown Bere. over the mountains which were called the McGillicudy Reeks. Nana had occasion to go over them every so often with milk when they were little. As a matter of fact, one of those times when she was travelling, around 1902 she met Dr. Bob Rogers grandmother, whose name was Maura, and some other name in Irish which I remember but cannot imagine how to say, which meant she was the strange lady, as she could do things and see things which others could not . She was a sort of healer, somewhat like the brugha of the Spanish. anyhow she told Nana to go a much different way as she would have gone to her death on the way she was headed. over the cliff, as it was foggy. The old lady, made quilts also to keep herself in food.
In 1892 on March 17, St. Patrick's day Catherine Josephine was born . She unlike the others was born with dark hair on a Sunday, and taken to the church that day to be baptized. that was the custom. When she was confirmed she took the name of Mary.
And in 1912, shortly after the Titanic sailed your grandmother, Katie, left home to sail with Agnes who had returned to see her mother in 1911, and regain her health. In that time Katie landed in Boston as Grandfather Lowney, had made all of his children citizens of the USA, in Dublin, at the US consul office. Yes, even then. So none of them landed in Ellis Island.
_____________________________
Boston Passenger Lists, 1820-1943 Record info
about Katie Lowney
Name: Katie Lowney
Arrival Date: 30 May 1912
Age: 20 years
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1892
Gender: Female
Ethnic Background: Irish
Port of Departure: Queenstown, Ireland
Ship Name: Arabic
Port of Arrival: Boston, Massachusetts
Friend's Name: Agnes Powers
Last Residence: Ireland
Microfilm Roll Number: 178
SSAN 367-60-4931
______________________
More from Maureen:
Catherine met James Ryan in Butte, Mt. and married on June 21, 1917, and they eventually moved to Detroit, away from the mines of Butte, to have Jimmy work for Henry Ford who in 1919, was paying his workers $5.00 @ day. They had a girl named Maureen, in Dec. 19,1929. and that was it for them.
__________________________
Katie and Jimmy were married June 21, 1917 in Butte, Montana
Here is the 1920 U.S. Federal Census for Butte, Silver Bow, Montana showing Katie, Jimmy and Nellie Sullivan.
They are residing at 145 East Daly Street:
1920 United States Federal Census
about Katie Ryan
Name: Katie Ryan
Home in 1920: Walkerville, Silver Bow, Montana
Age: 25
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1895
Birthplace: Ireland
Relation to Head of House: Wife
Spouse's Name: James Ryan
Father's Birth Place: Ireland
Mother's Birth Place: Ireland
Marital Status: Married
Race: White
Sex: Female
Year of immigration: 1912
Able to read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Household Members:
Name Age
James Ryan 29; immigrated in 1910, occupation: Miner in copper mine.
Katie Ryan 25; immigrated in 1912, occupation: None.
Nellie Sullivan 17, immigrated in 1914, occupation: Bookkeeper.
_______________________
As a child Catherine was offered a chance to go to the Royal Conservatory in England, by one of the captain's wives, who heard her singing as she was walking down the road to home. In those days the English Navy docked in the harbor at Castletown Bere and the ladies would hire a horse to go for a ride and thus would mix with the locals. She came to grandmother Lowney to ask, and would have won, but grandmother decided she needed her girl at home, not in horrible old England, altho' apparently the same happened to Nana's sister, Maryanne, who was also talented in the artistic way. I imagine all of this came from the Holland source, as the talent of the Lowney's seemed to be to make money in large amounts.
Her cousin and godfather was Brother Thaddeaus of the Christian Brothers. He was stationed in Montreal, Can. at the shrine of St. Joseph. Uncle Pierce went to see him in the twenties, when he went to the shrine, and of course, the old fellow was from the Beara place. I think her godmother was her mom's sister, Catherine but am not sure.
Returned to Ireland with her sister Agnes in 1924. Visited her mother, and both their Mothers-In-Law, and her Father-In-Law Michael Ryan.
__________________________
U.S. Passport Applications, 1795-1925
about Cathrine Ryan
Name: Cathrine Ryan
Birth Date: 17 Mar 1893
Birth Place: Ireland
Residence: 225 Avalon, Highland Park, Michigan
Passport Issue Date: 15 Jul 1924
Father Name: Maurice Lowney
Father's Birth Location: Ireland
Father's Residence: Dead
Passport Includes a Photo: Y
Source: Passport Applications, January 2, 1906 - March 31, 1925 (M1490)
This is the record of her return to the US in 1925 when she accompanied h er brother-in-law, Patrick Ryan
New York Passenger Lists, 1820-1957
about Catherine Ryan
Name: Catherine Ryan
Estimated birth year: abt 1894
Age: 31
Gender: Female
Port of Departure: Cobh, Ireland
Ship Name: President Roosevelt
Port of Arrival: New York, New York
Line: 3
Microfilm Serial: T715
Microfilm Roll: T715_3622
Page Number: 173
Source Citation: Year: 1925; Microfilm serial: T715; Microfilm roll: T7 15_3622; Line: 3; .
_____________________
According to the 1930 US Federal Census, in 1930 the family was living at 33 Tyler Ave., Highland Park, Wayne, Michigan, USA
Household members included:
Household Members: Name Age James Ryan 39; Katherine Ryan 37; Maureen Ryan; Nellie Sullivan 27; Patrick Ryan 26; Peter Ryan 23; Frank Scully 32; Leo Conway 28; and Leo Schonning 23.
_______________________
From her daughter, Maureen, May 2008:
My mother was the shy person of her family, and the dearly beloved one as well. I can see the future children of mine so well in her eyes. She was THEIR nana, and so she will go down in history. For some strange reason they do resemble her in many ways, and for that I am forever grateful. She was gentle kind, and all the things they grew to be. always thinking of others. Just like my friends from school used to say of her. Mrs. Ryan makes the greatest potato salad in the world and then can your m om make it for our picnic? for about fifty kids? oh well. she did it then too. such is life. She made about a bushel each time, so the nuns go t some too. well for now. memories are made of this.
_________________________
The following is an email exchange between family historian Bill Gawne and Cherie Jameison.
Date: Tue, 09 May 2006 07:14:18 -0400
CHERIE: Looking at that [1930] census, it touches me to think that there they all were, dining together--your grandfather James Ryan, your grandmother Catherine Lowney Ryan, their daughter (your mother) Maureen Elizabeth Ryan, James' brothers Patrick and Peter Ryan, and cousin Nell Sullivan. And as they're sitting at the table taking their meals, there would be your mother-a precious little girl less than a year old, the darling of her family. How they must have adored her and made a fuss over her!
BILL: Talking about my grandmother's dining room table... let me tell you about that table. The last time I saw it was last summer. It's in my aunt Marnie's dining room now, in Windsor. (Marnie is my father's only sister.) My grandmother gave it to Marnie when the old house was sold in 1969, and my mother took it across the Detroit river via a couple of station wagon loads. It's a big mahogany thing that can, with all the leaves installed, seat twelve for dinner. Many's the time I've sat at it myself.
________________________________
Catherine Josephine "Katie" Lowney Ryan passed away on May 23, 1974 in Tucson, Pima County, Arizona, USA.
Here is her obituary, from the Tucson Daily Citizen:
RYAN, Catherine Josephine, 82, of Tucson, passed away May 23, 1974. Survived by daughter, Mrs. Maureen Gawne of Tucson; sister, Mrs. Joanna Ware of Detroit; grandsons, William, James, Pierce, Sean, and Patrick Gawne; granddaughters, Agnes, Maureen, Kathleen, and Sheila Gawne of Tucson, great-granddaughter Marianne Gawne of Tucson; niece Mrs. Agnes Foley of Tucson. Rosary will be recited 7 p.m. Saturday in Palms Mortuary Chapel. Friends may call at Palms Mortuary, 5225 E. Speedway, from 4 to 9 p .m. Saturday. Further services and burial will be in Detroit, Mich.
Her funeral mass was celebrated by Fr. Emmett Lowney at Saint Benedict's Church, Highland Park, Wayne County, Michigan, USA.
Katie was buried in Lot 6 of Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, next to her husband James Ryan.
Bill Gawne adds: To locate this grave, drive in through the 11 Mile Road gate, bearing right to the western side of Lot 6. Drive south for about 300 yards, to the place where a road curves off to the right. This is where lots 4, 5, and 6 all abut each other. Look to your left, into lot 6, for a standing marker inscribed with PYZIK-WIER. Walk around this marker, and you'll find Jimmy Ryan's gravesite. It's the fourth grave behind the Pyzik-Wier marker. Catherine is next to Jimmy, and Charlie Ware is immediately above him, going north. Johanna [Johanna Lowney Ware, Katie's sister and wife of Charles Ware] is next to Charlie.
[This memorial was created with the permission and endorsement of Catherine's grandson, family historian Bill Gawne.]
--------------------------------
From Bill Gawne: This was my "Nana Ryan." Short and dark, with laughing brown eyes, it was often said she was proof the Spanish Armada had wrecked off the coast of Ireland:
Catherine "Katie" Josephine Lowney was born March 17, 1892 in Castletown Berehaven, Co. Cork, Ireland .
Her parents were Maurice Lowney (1844-1907) and Mary Holland (1858 – 1927).
Katie's siblings included:
Mary Ann Lowney 1880 – 1949
Julia Lowney 1881 – 1885
Ellen 'Nellie" Lowney 1883 – 1885
Margaret "Maggie" Lowney 1885 – 1885
Agnes Mary Lowney1886 – 1969
Lucy Lowney 1888 – 1893
Abigail Mary "Abbie" Lowney 1890 – 1965
Johanna Mary Lowney 1900 – 1990
John Phillip Lowney 1902 – 1965
Katie was baptized on March 20, 1892 in Sacred Heart Church, Castletownbere, County Cork, Ireland per the following:
Diocese of KERRY , Parish of CASTLETOWNBERE R.C.
Baptism of CATHERINE JOSEPHINE LOWNEY of DERRIMIHIN on 20 March 1892
Name CATHERINE JOSEPHINE LOWNEY
Date of Birth 17 March 1892
Address DERRIMIHIN
Father MAURICE LOWNEY
Mother MARY HOLLAND
Further details in the record
Child Denomination RC
Father Occupation NR
Sponsor 1 JEREMIAH NEILL
Sponsor 1 Address NR
Sponsor 2 MARY ANN LOWNEY
Sponsor 2 Address NR
About the record
Book Number Page Entry Number
2 N/R 7
________________________________
Here is the 1901 residence of the family:
Residents of a house 4 in Derrymihin West (Killaconenagh, Cork)
Surname Forename Age Sex Relation to head Religion Birthplace Occupation Literacy Irish Language Marital Status Specified Illnesses
Lowney Maurice 57 Male Head of Family R Catholic Co Cork Farmer Read and write Irish and English Married -
Lowney Mary 41 Female Wife R Catholic Co Cork Farmer Wife Read and write Irish and English Married -
Lowney Agnes 14 Female Daughter R Catholic Co Cork Scholar Read and write - Not Married -
Lowney Abbie 11 Female Daughter R Catholic Co Cork Scholar Read and write - Not Married -
Lowney Catherine 9 Female Daughter R Catholic Co Cork Scholar Read and write - Not Married -
Lowney Johannah Female Daughter R Catholic Co Cork - Cannot read - Not Married -
____________________________________
The following Ireland Census shows the family in 1911:
Residents of a house 11 in Derrymihin West (Killaconenagh, Cork)
Surname Forename Age Sex Relation to head Religion Birthplace Occupation Literacy Irish Language Marital Status
Specified Illnesses Years Married Children Born Children Living
Lowney Mary 51 Female Head of Family Roman Catholic Co Cork Farmer Read and write Irish and English Widow
- - - -
Lowney Kate 19 Female Daughter Roman Catholic Co Cork - Read and write - Single - - - -
Lowney Johanna 11 Female Daughter Roman Catholic Co Cork Scholar Read and write Irish and English Single - - - -
Lowney John 8 Male Son Roman Catholic Co Cork Scholar Read and write - Single -
___________________________________
From Bill Gawne's mother, Maureen Elizabeth O'Ryan Gawne Ybarra (daughter of Katie and James Ryan)::
They [the younger children of Catherine's sister Mary Ann] lived in their young lives in Inches, Eyeries, Co. Cork which was about 10 miles closer to the Atlantic than Castletown Bere. over the mountains which were called the McGillicudy Reeks. Nana had occasion to go over them every so often with milk when they were little. As a matter of fact, one of those times when she was travelling, around 1902 she met Dr. Bob Rogers grandmother, whose name was Maura, and some other name in Irish which I remember but cannot imagine how to say, which meant she was the strange lady, as she could do things and see things which others could not . She was a sort of healer, somewhat like the brugha of the Spanish. anyhow she told Nana to go a much different way as she would have gone to her death on the way she was headed. over the cliff, as it was foggy. The old lady, made quilts also to keep herself in food.
In 1892 on March 17, St. Patrick's day Catherine Josephine was born . She unlike the others was born with dark hair on a Sunday, and taken to the church that day to be baptized. that was the custom. When she was confirmed she took the name of Mary.
And in 1912, shortly after the Titanic sailed your grandmother, Katie, left home to sail with Agnes who had returned to see her mother in 1911, and regain her health. In that time Katie landed in Boston as Grandfather Lowney, had made all of his children citizens of the USA, in Dublin, at the US consul office. Yes, even then. So none of them landed in Ellis Island.
_____________________________
Boston Passenger Lists, 1820-1943 Record info
about Katie Lowney
Name: Katie Lowney
Arrival Date: 30 May 1912
Age: 20 years
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1892
Gender: Female
Ethnic Background: Irish
Port of Departure: Queenstown, Ireland
Ship Name: Arabic
Port of Arrival: Boston, Massachusetts
Friend's Name: Agnes Powers
Last Residence: Ireland
Microfilm Roll Number: 178
SSAN 367-60-4931
______________________
More from Maureen:
Catherine met James Ryan in Butte, Mt. and married on June 21, 1917, and they eventually moved to Detroit, away from the mines of Butte, to have Jimmy work for Henry Ford who in 1919, was paying his workers $5.00 @ day. They had a girl named Maureen, in Dec. 19,1929. and that was it for them.
__________________________
Katie and Jimmy were married June 21, 1917 in Butte, Montana
Here is the 1920 U.S. Federal Census for Butte, Silver Bow, Montana showing Katie, Jimmy and Nellie Sullivan.
They are residing at 145 East Daly Street:
1920 United States Federal Census
about Katie Ryan
Name: Katie Ryan
Home in 1920: Walkerville, Silver Bow, Montana
Age: 25
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1895
Birthplace: Ireland
Relation to Head of House: Wife
Spouse's Name: James Ryan
Father's Birth Place: Ireland
Mother's Birth Place: Ireland
Marital Status: Married
Race: White
Sex: Female
Year of immigration: 1912
Able to read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Household Members:
Name Age
James Ryan 29; immigrated in 1910, occupation: Miner in copper mine.
Katie Ryan 25; immigrated in 1912, occupation: None.
Nellie Sullivan 17, immigrated in 1914, occupation: Bookkeeper.
_______________________
As a child Catherine was offered a chance to go to the Royal Conservatory in England, by one of the captain's wives, who heard her singing as she was walking down the road to home. In those days the English Navy docked in the harbor at Castletown Bere and the ladies would hire a horse to go for a ride and thus would mix with the locals. She came to grandmother Lowney to ask, and would have won, but grandmother decided she needed her girl at home, not in horrible old England, altho' apparently the same happened to Nana's sister, Maryanne, who was also talented in the artistic way. I imagine all of this came from the Holland source, as the talent of the Lowney's seemed to be to make money in large amounts.
Her cousin and godfather was Brother Thaddeaus of the Christian Brothers. He was stationed in Montreal, Can. at the shrine of St. Joseph. Uncle Pierce went to see him in the twenties, when he went to the shrine, and of course, the old fellow was from the Beara place. I think her godmother was her mom's sister, Catherine but am not sure.
Returned to Ireland with her sister Agnes in 1924. Visited her mother, and both their Mothers-In-Law, and her Father-In-Law Michael Ryan.
__________________________
U.S. Passport Applications, 1795-1925
about Cathrine Ryan
Name: Cathrine Ryan
Birth Date: 17 Mar 1893
Birth Place: Ireland
Residence: 225 Avalon, Highland Park, Michigan
Passport Issue Date: 15 Jul 1924
Father Name: Maurice Lowney
Father's Birth Location: Ireland
Father's Residence: Dead
Passport Includes a Photo: Y
Source: Passport Applications, January 2, 1906 - March 31, 1925 (M1490)
This is the record of her return to the US in 1925 when she accompanied h er brother-in-law, Patrick Ryan
New York Passenger Lists, 1820-1957
about Catherine Ryan
Name: Catherine Ryan
Estimated birth year: abt 1894
Age: 31
Gender: Female
Port of Departure: Cobh, Ireland
Ship Name: President Roosevelt
Port of Arrival: New York, New York
Line: 3
Microfilm Serial: T715
Microfilm Roll: T715_3622
Page Number: 173
Source Citation: Year: 1925; Microfilm serial: T715; Microfilm roll: T7 15_3622; Line: 3; .
_____________________
According to the 1930 US Federal Census, in 1930 the family was living at 33 Tyler Ave., Highland Park, Wayne, Michigan, USA
Household members included:
Household Members: Name Age James Ryan 39; Katherine Ryan 37; Maureen Ryan; Nellie Sullivan 27; Patrick Ryan 26; Peter Ryan 23; Frank Scully 32; Leo Conway 28; and Leo Schonning 23.
_______________________
From her daughter, Maureen, May 2008:
My mother was the shy person of her family, and the dearly beloved one as well. I can see the future children of mine so well in her eyes. She was THEIR nana, and so she will go down in history. For some strange reason they do resemble her in many ways, and for that I am forever grateful. She was gentle kind, and all the things they grew to be. always thinking of others. Just like my friends from school used to say of her. Mrs. Ryan makes the greatest potato salad in the world and then can your m om make it for our picnic? for about fifty kids? oh well. she did it then too. such is life. She made about a bushel each time, so the nuns go t some too. well for now. memories are made of this.
_________________________
The following is an email exchange between family historian Bill Gawne and Cherie Jameison.
Date: Tue, 09 May 2006 07:14:18 -0400
CHERIE: Looking at that [1930] census, it touches me to think that there they all were, dining together--your grandfather James Ryan, your grandmother Catherine Lowney Ryan, their daughter (your mother) Maureen Elizabeth Ryan, James' brothers Patrick and Peter Ryan, and cousin Nell Sullivan. And as they're sitting at the table taking their meals, there would be your mother-a precious little girl less than a year old, the darling of her family. How they must have adored her and made a fuss over her!
BILL: Talking about my grandmother's dining room table... let me tell you about that table. The last time I saw it was last summer. It's in my aunt Marnie's dining room now, in Windsor. (Marnie is my father's only sister.) My grandmother gave it to Marnie when the old house was sold in 1969, and my mother took it across the Detroit river via a couple of station wagon loads. It's a big mahogany thing that can, with all the leaves installed, seat twelve for dinner. Many's the time I've sat at it myself.
________________________________
Catherine Josephine "Katie" Lowney Ryan passed away on May 23, 1974 in Tucson, Pima County, Arizona, USA.
Here is her obituary, from the Tucson Daily Citizen:
RYAN, Catherine Josephine, 82, of Tucson, passed away May 23, 1974. Survived by daughter, Mrs. Maureen Gawne of Tucson; sister, Mrs. Joanna Ware of Detroit; grandsons, William, James, Pierce, Sean, and Patrick Gawne; granddaughters, Agnes, Maureen, Kathleen, and Sheila Gawne of Tucson, great-granddaughter Marianne Gawne of Tucson; niece Mrs. Agnes Foley of Tucson. Rosary will be recited 7 p.m. Saturday in Palms Mortuary Chapel. Friends may call at Palms Mortuary, 5225 E. Speedway, from 4 to 9 p .m. Saturday. Further services and burial will be in Detroit, Mich.
Her funeral mass was celebrated by Fr. Emmett Lowney at Saint Benedict's Church, Highland Park, Wayne County, Michigan, USA.
Katie was buried in Lot 6 of Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, next to her husband James Ryan.
Bill Gawne adds: To locate this grave, drive in through the 11 Mile Road gate, bearing right to the western side of Lot 6. Drive south for about 300 yards, to the place where a road curves off to the right. This is where lots 4, 5, and 6 all abut each other. Look to your left, into lot 6, for a standing marker inscribed with PYZIK-WIER. Walk around this marker, and you'll find Jimmy Ryan's gravesite. It's the fourth grave behind the Pyzik-Wier marker. Catherine is next to Jimmy, and Charlie Ware is immediately above him, going north. Johanna [Johanna Lowney Ware, Katie's sister and wife of Charles Ware] is next to Charlie.
--------------------------------
From Bill Gawne: This was my "Nana Ryan." Short and dark, with laughing brown eyes, it was often said she was proof the Spanish Armada had wrecked off the coast of Ireland:
Catherine "Katie" Josephine Lowney was born March 17, 1892 in Castletown Berehaven, Co. Cork, Ireland .
Her parents were Maurice Lowney (1844-1907) and Mary Holland (1858 – 1927).
Katie's siblings included:
Mary Ann Lowney 1880 – 1949
Julia Lowney 1881 – 1885
Ellen 'Nellie" Lowney 1883 – 1885
Margaret "Maggie" Lowney 1885 – 1885
Agnes Mary Lowney1886 – 1969
Lucy Lowney 1888 – 1893
Abigail Mary "Abbie" Lowney 1890 – 1965
Johanna Mary Lowney 1900 – 1990
John Phillip Lowney 1902 – 1965
Katie was baptized on March 20, 1892 in Sacred Heart Church, Castletownbere, County Cork, Ireland per the following:
Diocese of KERRY , Parish of CASTLETOWNBERE R.C.
Baptism of CATHERINE JOSEPHINE LOWNEY of DERRIMIHIN on 20 March 1892
Name CATHERINE JOSEPHINE LOWNEY
Date of Birth 17 March 1892
Address DERRIMIHIN
Father MAURICE LOWNEY
Mother MARY HOLLAND
Further details in the record
Child Denomination RC
Father Occupation NR
Sponsor 1 JEREMIAH NEILL
Sponsor 1 Address NR
Sponsor 2 MARY ANN LOWNEY
Sponsor 2 Address NR
About the record
Book Number Page Entry Number
2 N/R 7
________________________________
Here is the 1901 residence of the family:
Residents of a house 4 in Derrymihin West (Killaconenagh, Cork)
Surname Forename Age Sex Relation to head Religion Birthplace Occupation Literacy Irish Language Marital Status Specified Illnesses
Lowney Maurice 57 Male Head of Family R Catholic Co Cork Farmer Read and write Irish and English Married -
Lowney Mary 41 Female Wife R Catholic Co Cork Farmer Wife Read and write Irish and English Married -
Lowney Agnes 14 Female Daughter R Catholic Co Cork Scholar Read and write - Not Married -
Lowney Abbie 11 Female Daughter R Catholic Co Cork Scholar Read and write - Not Married -
Lowney Catherine 9 Female Daughter R Catholic Co Cork Scholar Read and write - Not Married -
Lowney Johannah Female Daughter R Catholic Co Cork - Cannot read - Not Married -
____________________________________
The following Ireland Census shows the family in 1911:
Residents of a house 11 in Derrymihin West (Killaconenagh, Cork)
Surname Forename Age Sex Relation to head Religion Birthplace Occupation Literacy Irish Language Marital Status
Specified Illnesses Years Married Children Born Children Living
Lowney Mary 51 Female Head of Family Roman Catholic Co Cork Farmer Read and write Irish and English Widow
- - - -
Lowney Kate 19 Female Daughter Roman Catholic Co Cork - Read and write - Single - - - -
Lowney Johanna 11 Female Daughter Roman Catholic Co Cork Scholar Read and write Irish and English Single - - - -
Lowney John 8 Male Son Roman Catholic Co Cork Scholar Read and write - Single -
___________________________________
From Bill Gawne's mother, Maureen Elizabeth O'Ryan Gawne Ybarra (daughter of Katie and James Ryan)::
They [the younger children of Catherine's sister Mary Ann] lived in their young lives in Inches, Eyeries, Co. Cork which was about 10 miles closer to the Atlantic than Castletown Bere. over the mountains which were called the McGillicudy Reeks. Nana had occasion to go over them every so often with milk when they were little. As a matter of fact, one of those times when she was travelling, around 1902 she met Dr. Bob Rogers grandmother, whose name was Maura, and some other name in Irish which I remember but cannot imagine how to say, which meant she was the strange lady, as she could do things and see things which others could not . She was a sort of healer, somewhat like the brugha of the Spanish. anyhow she told Nana to go a much different way as she would have gone to her death on the way she was headed. over the cliff, as it was foggy. The old lady, made quilts also to keep herself in food.
In 1892 on March 17, St. Patrick's day Catherine Josephine was born . She unlike the others was born with dark hair on a Sunday, and taken to the church that day to be baptized. that was the custom. When she was confirmed she took the name of Mary.
And in 1912, shortly after the Titanic sailed your grandmother, Katie, left home to sail with Agnes who had returned to see her mother in 1911, and regain her health. In that time Katie landed in Boston as Grandfather Lowney, had made all of his children citizens of the USA, in Dublin, at the US consul office. Yes, even then. So none of them landed in Ellis Island.
_____________________________
Boston Passenger Lists, 1820-1943 Record info
about Katie Lowney
Name: Katie Lowney
Arrival Date: 30 May 1912
Age: 20 years
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1892
Gender: Female
Ethnic Background: Irish
Port of Departure: Queenstown, Ireland
Ship Name: Arabic
Port of Arrival: Boston, Massachusetts
Friend's Name: Agnes Powers
Last Residence: Ireland
Microfilm Roll Number: 178
SSAN 367-60-4931
______________________
More from Maureen:
Catherine met James Ryan in Butte, Mt. and married on June 21, 1917, and they eventually moved to Detroit, away from the mines of Butte, to have Jimmy work for Henry Ford who in 1919, was paying his workers $5.00 @ day. They had a girl named Maureen, in Dec. 19,1929. and that was it for them.
__________________________
Katie and Jimmy were married June 21, 1917 in Butte, Montana
Here is the 1920 U.S. Federal Census for Butte, Silver Bow, Montana showing Katie, Jimmy and Nellie Sullivan.
They are residing at 145 East Daly Street:
1920 United States Federal Census
about Katie Ryan
Name: Katie Ryan
Home in 1920: Walkerville, Silver Bow, Montana
Age: 25
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1895
Birthplace: Ireland
Relation to Head of House: Wife
Spouse's Name: James Ryan
Father's Birth Place: Ireland
Mother's Birth Place: Ireland
Marital Status: Married
Race: White
Sex: Female
Year of immigration: 1912
Able to read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Household Members:
Name Age
James Ryan 29; immigrated in 1910, occupation: Miner in copper mine.
Katie Ryan 25; immigrated in 1912, occupation: None.
Nellie Sullivan 17, immigrated in 1914, occupation: Bookkeeper.
_______________________
As a child Catherine was offered a chance to go to the Royal Conservatory in England, by one of the captain's wives, who heard her singing as she was walking down the road to home. In those days the English Navy docked in the harbor at Castletown Bere and the ladies would hire a horse to go for a ride and thus would mix with the locals. She came to grandmother Lowney to ask, and would have won, but grandmother decided she needed her girl at home, not in horrible old England, altho' apparently the same happened to Nana's sister, Maryanne, who was also talented in the artistic way. I imagine all of this came from the Holland source, as the talent of the Lowney's seemed to be to make money in large amounts.
Her cousin and godfather was Brother Thaddeaus of the Christian Brothers. He was stationed in Montreal, Can. at the shrine of St. Joseph. Uncle Pierce went to see him in the twenties, when he went to the shrine, and of course, the old fellow was from the Beara place. I think her godmother was her mom's sister, Catherine but am not sure.
Returned to Ireland with her sister Agnes in 1924. Visited her mother, and both their Mothers-In-Law, and her Father-In-Law Michael Ryan.
__________________________
U.S. Passport Applications, 1795-1925
about Cathrine Ryan
Name: Cathrine Ryan
Birth Date: 17 Mar 1893
Birth Place: Ireland
Residence: 225 Avalon, Highland Park, Michigan
Passport Issue Date: 15 Jul 1924
Father Name: Maurice Lowney
Father's Birth Location: Ireland
Father's Residence: Dead
Passport Includes a Photo: Y
Source: Passport Applications, January 2, 1906 - March 31, 1925 (M1490)
This is the record of her return to the US in 1925 when she accompanied h er brother-in-law, Patrick Ryan
New York Passenger Lists, 1820-1957
about Catherine Ryan
Name: Catherine Ryan
Estimated birth year: abt 1894
Age: 31
Gender: Female
Port of Departure: Cobh, Ireland
Ship Name: President Roosevelt
Port of Arrival: New York, New York
Line: 3
Microfilm Serial: T715
Microfilm Roll: T715_3622
Page Number: 173
Source Citation: Year: 1925; Microfilm serial: T715; Microfilm roll: T7 15_3622; Line: 3; .
_____________________
According to the 1930 US Federal Census, in 1930 the family was living at 33 Tyler Ave., Highland Park, Wayne, Michigan, USA
Household members included:
Household Members: Name Age James Ryan 39; Katherine Ryan 37; Maureen Ryan; Nellie Sullivan 27; Patrick Ryan 26; Peter Ryan 23; Frank Scully 32; Leo Conway 28; and Leo Schonning 23.
_______________________
From her daughter, Maureen, May 2008:
My mother was the shy person of her family, and the dearly beloved one as well. I can see the future children of mine so well in her eyes. She was THEIR nana, and so she will go down in history. For some strange reason they do resemble her in many ways, and for that I am forever grateful. She was gentle kind, and all the things they grew to be. always thinking of others. Just like my friends from school used to say of her. Mrs. Ryan makes the greatest potato salad in the world and then can your m om make it for our picnic? for about fifty kids? oh well. she did it then too. such is life. She made about a bushel each time, so the nuns go t some too. well for now. memories are made of this.
_________________________
The following is an email exchange between family historian Bill Gawne and Cherie Jameison.
Date: Tue, 09 May 2006 07:14:18 -0400
CHERIE: Looking at that [1930] census, it touches me to think that there they all were, dining together--your grandfather James Ryan, your grandmother Catherine Lowney Ryan, their daughter (your mother) Maureen Elizabeth Ryan, James' brothers Patrick and Peter Ryan, and cousin Nell Sullivan. And as they're sitting at the table taking their meals, there would be your mother-a precious little girl less than a year old, the darling of her family. How they must have adored her and made a fuss over her!
BILL: Talking about my grandmother's dining room table... let me tell you about that table. The last time I saw it was last summer. It's in my aunt Marnie's dining room now, in Windsor. (Marnie is my father's only sister.) My grandmother gave it to Marnie when the old house was sold in 1969, and my mother took it across the Detroit river via a couple of station wagon loads. It's a big mahogany thing that can, with all the leaves installed, seat twelve for dinner. Many's the time I've sat at it myself.
________________________________
Catherine Josephine "Katie" Lowney Ryan passed away on May 23, 1974 in Tucson, Pima County, Arizona, USA.
Here is her obituary, from the Tucson Daily Citizen:
RYAN, Catherine Josephine, 82, of Tucson, passed away May 23, 1974. Survived by daughter, Mrs. Maureen Gawne of Tucson; sister, Mrs. Joanna Ware of Detroit; grandsons, William, James, Pierce, Sean, and Patrick Gawne; granddaughters, Agnes, Maureen, Kathleen, and Sheila Gawne of Tucson, great-granddaughter Marianne Gawne of Tucson; niece Mrs. Agnes Foley of Tucson. Rosary will be recited 7 p.m. Saturday in Palms Mortuary Chapel. Friends may call at Palms Mortuary, 5225 E. Speedway, from 4 to 9 p .m. Saturday. Further services and burial will be in Detroit, Mich.
Her funeral mass was celebrated by Fr. Emmett Lowney at Saint Benedict's Church, Highland Park, Wayne County, Michigan, USA.
Katie was buried in Lot 6 of Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, next to her husband James Ryan.
Bill Gawne adds: To locate this grave, drive in through the 11 Mile Road gate, bearing right to the western side of Lot 6. Drive south for about 300 yards, to the place where a road curves off to the right. This is where lots 4, 5, and 6 all abut each other. Look to your left, into lot 6, for a standing marker inscribed with PYZIK-WIER. Walk around this marker, and you'll find Jimmy Ryan's gravesite. It's the fourth grave behind the Pyzik-Wier marker. Catherine is next to Jimmy, and Charlie Ware is immediately above him, going north. Johanna [Johanna Lowney Ware, Katie's sister and wife of Charles Ware] is next to Charlie.
Inscription
MOTHER
CATHERINE L. RYAN
1892 - 1974
BORN IN BEARA IRELAND
Family Members
Siblings
