Junee mourns as Monte Cristo matriarch, Olive Ryan, dies at 93

ONE of Junee’s most well-known residents and devoted matriarch of the town’s historic Monte Cristo Homestead, Olive Ryan, has died at the age of 93.

Mrs Ryan passed away peacefully this morning, Thursday, November 14, 2024, surrounded by family at the Junee Multipurpose Service.

Tomorrow would have been her 94th birthday.

Mrs Ryan had been the owner of Junee’s historic Monte Cristo Homestead, internationally known as Australia’s most haunted house, for 61 years.

She and her late husband, Reg Ryan, who passed away at the age of 80 in 2014, purchased the dilapidated Victorian-era manor for 1,000 pounds in 1963.

The couple lovingly restored the 140-year-old mansion over their six decades of stewardship, transforming the colonial house into the landmark it is today.

Together, they brought the history and stories of Monte Cristo to life, sharing its legacy with countless visitors from around the world.

The homestead will be closed to the public until further notice as Mrs Ryan’s family and the community mourn her loss.

Hundreds of people have flooded social media with their stories of Monte Cristo and interactions with Mrs Ryan over the years. 

We extend our thoughts and deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all those who knew and admired her dedication to preserving Monte Cristo.