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Virginia Ryan Obituary
1949 -2020
Virginia Kennedy Ryan passed away peacefully at home in San Carlos, California on October 17th, 2020 after her third, and very brief battle with cancer. Ginny was born on October 17th, 1949 to Vincent and Eileen Kennedy and was raised in the Parkside District of San Francisco. Ginny was the beloved wife and best friend of Dennis Ryan for 46 years and loving mother of Matthew (Melissa) and Vincent Ryan.
She was the devoted sister of Patricia Shanahan (Edward), and is survived by her brothers-in-law Terrence (Dinah), Brendan and Kevin (Sandra) Ryan. Ginny was an aunt to Thomas and Eileen Shanahan, Michael, Julian and Dominic Ryan and Andrea (Seth) John.
Ginny graduated from St. Cecilia's School, Mercy High School and San Francisco State University. She was an elementary school teacher for 27 years in San Francisco, Scottsdale, San Jose and San Carlos. Her education continued in recent years as an active explorer of the history of San Francisco and several lecture series.
Books and stories were central to her daily life and character. In retirement, she was a volunteer with The Friends of the San Carlos Library and an active member of her book club. She extended her worldly curiosities with many travel adventures with her family and favorite travel partner, Dennis. She was a wonderful chronicler of stories which were brought to life with a sense of wit and genuine care for the details and people involved.
Raising her two sons and being a part of their lives were her proudest accomplishments. She was a mother and friend to all who entered her home, or met in life's many by chance circumstances. She prefaced her more direct motherly love and guidance with the words "Now, I'm your mother, and I can say this…". She is dearly loved and will be greatly missed.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, October 30th, 2020 at 9:00am at St. Charles Church in San Carlos, CA. The Memorial Mass has an in-person limit of 100 attendees to support social distancing and will also be streamed for those who are unable to attend in-person at https://livestream.funeralscreen.com/cypress-lawn/virginia-ginny-ryan/
(Password: Ryan)
A private inurnment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma, CA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Friends of the San Carlos Library (scfol.org/donate/).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Virginia Ryan
Sponsored by CLOSED-Crosby-N. Gray & Co. Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
Janet Darcey
February 8, 2021
Ginny was always nice to chat with in the hall at Mercy....when were girls..I just heard about her today.She looked so lovely at the reunion and stylish.She will be missed at the next one. Janet Darcey
Daniene Marciano
November 3, 2020
Dear, Dear Ginny! I taught with her at St. John Vianney in San Jose. She taught first grade and I taught second grade, so we shared fun activities with the children. Her students loved her dearly and so did I. One of many special memories of her was when she first knew she was pregnant, she brought treats for all the teachers with a creative sign saying,”and then there were three...” God bless Ginny and she will be in my prayers. My condolences to her family, Love, Daniene Marciano
Bambi Wondergem
October 30, 2020
The times I was with Ginny she always made me feel not only welcomed, but included. Whatever group or person she was talking with she would call me over and introduce me. I also loved her stories about her boys and her and Dennis’ travels. She will be so missed by her family and friends.
Susan Wang
October 30, 2020
Ginny will always hold a special place in our hearts. She was spirited, kind, full of life, humorous and a special human being. She will be missed but always remembered. Love, Susan, Corey and Jason Wang
Kate Antosik-Parsons
October 26, 2020
Ginny was truly a wonderful person, so engaging, warm and genuine with such a keen mind. She was a dear and true friend to the Antosik family. Our deepest sympathies to Dennis, Matt & Melissa and Vinny - Ginny will be sadly missed.
Donna Dillon
October 23, 2020
I have know Ginny since third grade at St. Cecilia’s school. We were neighbors on 16th Avenue and classmates at Mercy High School. I have such fond memories of our times together. Ginny had a delightful sense of humor and she was the sweetest and loveliest person. I am so saddened by her passing. My heart is breaking. My deepest sympathy to Dennis and her sons and to Patty and her family.
Sweet Ginny, may you Rest In Peace.
Sorrowfully,
Donna Bernardini Dillon
June Wisecarver
October 23, 2020
Ginny and her sister Patty were always studious and great in participating in our Tuesday afternoon in our San Mateo Senior Center!! I am so sad in hearing of her passing. She led such a productive and interesting life in all she did and will be missed!!
Terry&Dinah Ryan
October 23, 2020
Ginny was a very gracious, classy and a lovable sister in-law. She was very animated in telling her stories & sharing her travels w Dennis & family. A very witty conversationalist & very thoughtful to her family & friends. Terry & I love her very much and will greatly miss her. RIP
Sandra Ryan
October 23, 2020
Ginny was a great friend and great lady. We shared a lot and I look forward to seeing her heaven. I miss her already.
Suzanne Gayrard
October 23, 2020
Ginny Ryan, you were my favorite Mom at Sequoia Parents Nursery School! Your warm personality lit up the room. I will never forget your courage in your early fight with breast cancer. Your one wish was to see your boys grow up. Rest in peace, Ginny. And God bless all her boys: Dennis, Matt and Vinny...
Pat Watson Stadler
October 22, 2020
Ginny was one of the nicest girls in our high school class. She was kind and universally well-liked. At our class reunions, Ginny hadn’t changed a bit-still a dear, dear person.
With deepest sympathy,
Pat Watson Stadler
Chicago
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