Lucinda Louise Ryan

Lucinda (Lucy) Louise Ryan, a longtime journalist in the Bay Area, died unexpectedly on May 4, 2023 at age 71. She was born Nov. 16, 1951 in Sedro-Woolley, Washington to Jackie Royal and Clifford Johnson. She spent her young life in Washington and Oregon until her family moved to the Bay Area in 1966. She graduated from Skyline High School and attended Merritt College in Oakland. Among the many hats Lucy wore through her all-too-short life were professional organizer, maker of inventive and beautiful jewelry, stand-up comedian, podcaster, beautician, teacher and, for one idyllic day, a dog sledder in Alaska. But best known for the past 30 years as a columnist, reporter and editor, her imprint could be found in The Island Journal, The Alameda Journal and Bay Area News Group newspapers.Her quick wit, infectious laugh and interest in people contributed to her success. To those fortunate to be part of Lucy's inner circle, she was an independent spirit who made every room livelier with her presence. Her irreverence and appreciation of the absurd came through the stories she told, the gifts and greeting cards she chose for special occasions, the books and films she loved and her keen observations of the Alameda community and world at large. Dependable and deeply devoted to her friends and family, she never failed to show up when you needed someone; her generosity, companionship and compassion were always on offer, served with a signature quip and words of comfort. Lucy was beloved by children, who responded to her silly sense of humor, confidence, curiosity and the delight she took in their little lives. She had a soft spot for skittish stray cats, becoming caretaker to a lucky few, including Pete and Ben, always on their terms without expecting anything in return, which says so much about her accepting, loving nature. Lucy's absence from our lives will be felt deeply. She is survived by her brother, Michael Ryan, and sister-in-law, Ruth Ann Laviolette, of Lodi; her niece, Magica Johnson; her aunt and uncle Dorene and Gerald Kartes of Arizona; and many friends who will always hold her close to their hearts, cherish her memory and remember the sound of her laugh. For further information, call, Harry Greer, Funeral Director (FDR-745).