I recently learned that Darlene Joy Ryan passed away on February 26, 2026. You may not recognize her by her real name. Darlene is known to cozy mystery lovers as Sofie Ryan and Sofie Kelly. As Sofie Ryan, she wrote the Second Chance Cat Mysteries (12 Books), and as Sofie Kelly, she wrote the Magical Cats Mystery Series (16 Books). She also wrote several Young Adult books and A Mother’s Adoption Journey, as herself. I loved every Magical Cats Mystery. Hercules and Owen are wonderfully frisky and magical felines. Sadly, I have only read the first Second Chance Cat Mystery. The others are waiting patiently on my To-Be-Read bookshelf. ย Darlene brought so much joy to so many people with her cozy mysteries, releasing the final Second Chance Cat Mystery in March of 2025โa great legacy. May she rest in peace.
In Loving Memory of
Darlene Joy Ryan1958 – 2026
With much sadness, we announce the death of Darlene Joy (Arsenault) Ryan, daughter of the late Dorothy Stairs and John W. Arsenault. She is survived by her husband of more than forty years, Patrick, daughter Lauren, sister Maureen Yeats (Phil), and niece Karen Yeats (Cameron) as well as two great-nephews, several cousins, and valued friends.
A proud graduate of Saint John High School (Go Greyhounds!) Darlene went on to earn a BSc. in Biology from UNB as well as a Bachelor of Education from St. Thomas University. Her love of music led to a 15-year career in local radio. A second career as a writer and editor led to 38 published books, several of which made the New York Times best-seller list.
She loved books, old-time rock and roll, and people who made her laugh (Reid Good). But Darleneโs greatest joy was becoming a mother to Lauren who she and Patrick adopted as a baby from China.
A big believer in the importance of education, Darlene and Patrick gifted two scholarships to UNB, and she looked forward each year to learning about the recipients.
In lieu of flowers, Darlene requested donations be made in her memory to the IWK Childrenโs Hospital or Greener Village.
www.bishopsfuneralhome.com
You can find a more detailed obituary here.ย
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Such sad news. I love her books. The Magical Cats series are one of my favorites. My condolences to her family.
Love her books. Condolences to the family.