Clarice Ryan

Clarice Ryan A resident of San Lorenzo Clarice Ryan entered peacefully into rest, surrounded by her family, at her San Lorenzo home on September 12, 2010. She was born in Colville Wash. on June 18th, 1929, the 2nd of three children born to Clare Thomas Wardell and Julia Alice Brennan. The family moved several times before settling in Oakland Ca. Clarice graduated from St. Francis de Sales grammar school in 1943 and from Holy Names HS in 1947. For a short time after H.S. Clarice entered the convent to become a member of the Holy Names order...but soon realized she had a greater calling. Clarice married the love of her life John Francis Ryan Jr. on Mary 26th, 1951 at St. Lawrence O'Tooles church in Oakland, Ca. John was a fireman with the City of Oakland. They had eight children Tom, Patrick, Mary, Dan (Yan), Margaret (Ken), John, Roseann (Brian) & Michael (Andrea). Clarice was blessed with 8 grandchildren Steven (Vicki), Bryan, Kevin, & Matthew (Stacy) Larsen, Alexandria Runnels, Timothy Ryan, Gary-Cooper & Jake Ryan. Clarice worked at Neldams Bakery in Oakland and then at Shell Development for a few years before starting a family. She sold Worldbook Encyclopedia for many years and volunteered her time with the Aids Ministry, Respite Care, and as a lay minister taking communion to home bound patients. She was a very active member of St. John's Parish for 55 years, she served on the Parish Council and was a member of the St. Gerard's Womens Club. Clarice loved to paint and was known as the family shutterbug amassing a huge collection of photos of her family and friends. She was a very generous lady and an eternal optimist with a beautiful smile. She will be deeply missed by her neighbors, friends, and large extended family. Clarice was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 51 years, John Francis Ryan, Jr. in 2002 and her son, John "JFJR" in 2009. She is survived by her siblings and their spouses MaryAlice & Richard Petersen of San Lorenzo, Ca. and Thomas & Elaine Wardell of Anchorage, Ak and sister in law, Lynn Smith of Union City, Ca. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 pm on Thursday, September 16, 2010, with a Vigil service beginning at 7 pm. Mass will be held at 10 am on Friday, September 17, 2010 all services will be at St. John's Catholic Church, 264 E. Lewelling Blvd., San Lorenzo. Graveside services will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Hayward. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Presentation Sisters of St. John's parish or the Mercy Retirement Center in Oakland. Grissom's Chapel & Mortuary 510-278-2800 www.grissomsmortuary.com