Our dear sister, Lucia Ann Ryan, formerly of Saratoga, CA and Bainbridge Island, WA, passed away peacefully on October 17th, 2021. Born in Potsdam, NY in 1937, she was the mother of four children, whom she and her beloved husband, Dr. Keith Ryan, raised with love and laughter in their home in Saratoga.
Above: Lucia & Keith Ryan, 2007
Both Lucia and Keith were opened and became part of the Palo Alto Subud Center in 1991. Irena Olender, member of the Palo Alto Center, notes that they were both very engaged in center life, each serving two terms as treasurer, vice chair and chair; Keith was the driving force in the first major remodel to the building. Lucia also served as a helper at the Center. Lalia Helmer, Palo Alto Center member, fondly remembers Lucia’s wonderful, positive, and warm presence in all that she did.
Seeking a more peaceful environment than the Silicon Valley, the Ryans moved to Aptos for a year and during that time were members of the Santa Cruz Subud Center. They then settled into their new home on Bainbridge Island. For more than 10 years, they enjoyed being part of the Olympic Neighborhood Group of Subud PNW, whose members live on the island and in the nearby mainland town of Poulsbo.
In addition to her other Subud roles, Lucia served a term as a member of the Susila Dharma USA Board.
A 40th Day selamatan to mark her passing will be held at the Palo Alto Subud Center on Saturday, November 27, following the regular Saturday latihan (quiet time at 10:45). A celebration of life will be held in December at Grace Church in Bainbridge Island, WA. If you wish to honor her memory, please consider a donation to the Parkinson’s Foundation or Alzheimer’s Association in Lucia’s name.
All who knew her will miss her and remember her loving and generous spirit with fondness.
If you’d like to share a memory about Lucia Ryan, you can do so at “Leave a Reply” comment box below.
If you happen to be in the Pacific Northwest Bainbridge Island area on December 11th, her memorial will be at 2 pm. Grace Church is located at 8595 NE Day Road · Bainbridge Island, WA 98110. Phone: 206.842.9997
May she rest in peace.
Both Lucia and Keith were very kind to me when they moved to Seattle a few blocks from my home on Queen Anne. They took me to Latihan often and invited me into their home. Lucia and I had great conversations about our children, our lives etc. I was also able to do Latihan with Luci and others on Bainbridge -visiting their lovely home.
May she rest in peace.
Lucia and Keith were perfect friends and hosts to me during the time I was living in the area and hellping with the Care of Varda Goldstein, a sister well loved by all of us, who was dying from cancer. They took perfect care of me so I could continue my work with Varda. They truly treated me like family and I was remiss in not keeping in touch when they moved to Washington State.
May peace, blessings and much reward come to them and their surviving family for their sheer goodness. I love you both and pray that many blessings are prepared for you in the hereafter. These two were true Subud examples of humans who rose to the best of the best in this world. Their absolute commitment to God, to their moral life and their generosity to family, friends and no doubt unknown passersby.
The world would be a much better place if there were many more people like the Ryans…Lucia truly lived as a light in this world and will carry that to the next, inshallah. Keith, I know, will suffer from the loss of her lifelong companionship and devotedness. May God be with you, and ease the way for you.
Hadij
There are some people that make lasting impressions even though your time with them is brief. Lucia was such a person. I still remember how nice it felt to be near her. 💕 Beata