Born in Ireland on May 17, 1955, she was the daughter of the late Padraig O’Beirne and Eithne O’Beirne (née Gilsenan). She attended Dalhousie University (PhD), Mount Saint Vincent University (MEd), Acadia University (MSc and BEd), and University College of Dublin (BSc).

Teaching was her life’s passion; she was a University Teaching Fellow in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Dalhousie University, Faculty Associate for the Centre of Learning and Teaching, the President of the Atlantic Geoscience Society, and a 3M National Teaching Fellow, who won numerous leadership and teaching awards during her career. She previously taught at St. Mary’s University, in the Halifax Regional School Board, and at Sacred Heart School of Halifax. She was also a champion for leadership development and education in and out of the classroom, mentoring faculty, graduate students, and even co-developing a certificate and course in science leadership and communication at Dalhousie. She approached both her life and teaching with her own brand of Anne Marie magic, which inspired and challenged all around her: family, students, mentees, peers, and colleagues. 

Leading with love and kindness, she gave her time outside of work to community education and charitable organizations for sustainability and social justice, some of which included many years of teaching Sunday School and giving back to the community at Canadian Martyr’s Parish. In a recent letter to her future self, Anne Marie wrote: “…I want me to challenge myself NOT to let fear stop me, but rather to let it propel me to be courageous, speak up, find in particular where my voice belongs so that I CAN contribute to teaching & learning for the greater good.” 

She is survived by her loving husband of 42 years, Dr. Robert (Bob) Ryan, her three daughters Fiona Ryan (Emily Jewer), Kerrianne Ryan (Jarvis Googoo), and Erin Ryan Gale (Lloyd, Addison, and Alexis Gale); her siblings John, Richard, Dermot, and Gina O’Beirne, Donna Durkan, and Ursula Sortino; and many other biological and chosen family. 

She was a fantastic and inspirational mother and wife who loved taking in the awesomeness and wonder of the natural world. She shared this wonder when enjoying nature with family and friends, leading field trips, and teaching outside; she loved walking along the shore or in the woods, reading in her garden, travelling the world, and swimming outdoors at the Waeg. She gave her whole heart to support anyone in need through her words of encouragement and thoughtful questions. 

A celebration of Anne Marie’s life will be held in the spring and announced at a later date. The family extends immense gratitude to the staff of the QEII ICU who were with her and us through her last hours and showed genuine care and support for the whole family. 

She leaves all of us inspired to continue her incomparable legacy of curiosity, insight, and support for learning, development, and social change. Her own words of encouragement to her future self hold a message to inspire and change us all: “Remember stories, different perspectives, and joy - also, too much busyness can destroy creativity & ideas or keep them from moving forward - don’t let this happen. Remember the heart is important - always!”

Donations can be made in Anne Marie’s name to Development and Peace and/or Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.