Red Bank resident Elizabeth “Lisa” Gallagher Ryan passed away suddenly at home on June 1. She was 78.
Photo/family via John E. Day Funeral Home
“Among her family and many friends, Lisa was known for her love of nature and zest for life. A passionate gardener, she helped resurrect both the Shadow Lake Village Community Garden and Gardening Club. She created floral arrangements every Wednesday for JBJ Soul Kitchen and volunteered tending their gardens. In the summer, she could often be found kayaking on Shadow Lake, playing Bocce nearby, or simply relaxing on the beach and inhaling the salt air. Her appreciation of beautiful sunsets is well-documented both on Facebook and in her many group texts. In her ‘spare’ time, she was a formidable competitor, in Words with Friends, at-home Jeopardy! sessions with family and neighbors and, most recently, Wordle. She loved animals, particularly her cat Cloud, and donated generously to animal welfare agencies. Kind, witty, and a generous hostess, she was constantly surrounded by friends who knew they always could count on her — typically for gales of laughter at her frequent and impromptu gatherings, but also for either words of encouragement or a gentle kick in the pants as needed.
Loved ones of Lisa Gallagher Ryan in her obituary
Born to Richard and Eleanor Gallagher in Chicago, Lisa grew up on Cape Cod attending Barnstable Schools. She graduated from Lake Forest College in Illinois where she met her husband. She worked in the insurance industry for many years, most notably at AIG in New Jersey.
She is predeceased by: her parents; her husband, Terence Ryan; her son, Jeremy Ryan; and son in-law, John Mavis.
She is survived by: her beloved daughter, Eleanor “Nell” Ryan, of Red Bank; her brother, Richard Gallagher (wife Jody), of North Haven, CT; her sister, Louise Porter (husband Steve) of Cummaquid, MA; her granddaughter, Nicole Mavis (husband Mike Linde) of Astoria, NY; her sisters in-law, Nanette Ryan and Musette Winton; and several cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends.
A private celebration of life is planned for a later date. Donations in Lisa’s name can be made to the American Littoral Society, 18 Hartshorne Dr, Suite 1, Highlands, NJ 07732.
— Edited obituary prepared by family via John E. Day Funeral Home
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