Constance "Connie" Sotel Ryan

Constance S. "Connie" Ryan, a longtime resident of New Mexico, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, August 29, 2026, just a few weeks shy of her 94th birthday.

Though born in California, Connie was raised in New Mexico and spent most of her life in Albuquerque. New Mexico was always home. Her grandparents immigrated from Lebanon in the late 1800s and settled in Jemez Springs, where Connie spent much of her childhood. She attended St. Vincent's Academy in Albuquerque through 12th grade and later attended the University of New Mexico, where she met John P. "Jack" Ryan, who would become her husband of 49 years.

After returning to New Mexico in 1979, Connie pursued a career in real estate, where she found tremendous success and, perhaps more importantly, great personal fulfillment. Work was an enormous part of Connie's life. For her, real estate was never simply a job; she loved the people, the relationships and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others.

In 1983, Connie partnered with Vi Gautsch to establish The Real Estate Center. In 1998, they became owners of the local Coldwell Banker residential real estate office in Albuquerque. Connie was elected president of the Albuquerque Board of Realtors for the 1998-1999 term and was named Realtor of the Year in 2003. Throughout her career, she remained deeply involved with the Greater Albuquerque Association of Realtors, generously volunteering her time and experience in countless capacities.

Retirement never suited Connie particularly well. In fact, she retired multiple times. She continued working until just a month before her death, most recently with the team at Vista Encantada Realtors, where she was loved beyond measure. Even at 93, Connie was preparing listings for market, texting with clients and colleagues, and, with some amusement, helping 70-year-olds sign documents digitally. Her work ethic, determination and genuine affection for the people around her remained with her throughout her life.

Connie and Jack loved entertaining, and together they were wonderful hosts. Their home was the setting for many memorable parties and gatherings over the years, filled with friends, family, laughter and good times.

Connie approached life with determination and a strong sense of purpose. Some might have called her stubborn; Connie preferred "independent." She loved her family, her friends and her work, and always had room in her heart and her home for another rescued dog. She was immensely proud of her children and raised them to be strong and self-sufficient. Her deep and abiding faith in God remained constant throughout her life. Those who loved Connie will remember her strength and unmistakable spirit.

Connie is survived by her three children, Greg P. Ryan, David P. Ryan and Sharon M. Ryan (Joseph Heining). She was preceded in death by her husband, John P. "Jack" Ryan, and her sisters, Dorothy M. Sotel and Marian F. Sotel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

A Rosary will be recited for Connie on Wednesday, September 23, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic Church, 2621 Vermont St. NE, with Msgr. Bennett J. Voorhees officiating. Interment will take place at a later date.