Obituary

George Ann Ryan (“Georgie”), 87, of Mission Viejo, CA, passed away May 9, 2014, at home surrounded by her family. Georgie was born November 11, 1926 in Tarentum, PA, to the late Alverta (Towner) and William C. Clark.

She graduated from Tarentum High School in 1945, where she was a cheerleader and basketball player, and was described as friendly, talkative, and full of pep. A gifted athlete she had a lifelong love of sports and continued to root for her Pittsburgh teams even after relocating to Orange County, CA in 1972. She and her husband Frank, the love of her life, loved to dance and were the life of any party they attended. A beloved wife and mother she wanted nothing more than to take care of her children, which she did with a selfless devotion seldom seen. The consummate homemaker, Georgie was an excellent cook and baker, especially at holidays when she transformed her home into a festive retreat, creating never to be forgotten memories for her children. She was also an enormously talented crafter making colorful afghans, embroidered clothing, and intricate decorations still cherished by her family.

Georgie is survived by her loving husband Frank E. Ryan to whom she was married for more than 60 years. She is also survived by her sister Geraldine Galluzzo, of New Kensington, PA, her four children, Robert Ryan, of Mission Viejo, CA, Kathy (Larry) Hughes, of Rancho Cucamonga, CA, Susan (Terry Johnson) Ryan, of San Diego, CA, and Paula Jean (Frank) Andersen, of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, six grandchildren, David Ryan, of New York, NY, Lori (Dan) Freed, of Royersford, PA, Scott (Kristina) Hughes, of Farmington Hills, MI, Ryan Hughes, of Honolulu, HI, Matthew Andersen and Morgan Andersen, of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, and four great grandchildren, Ryan, Ethan, and Luke Freed, and Colin Hughes. In addition to her parents, her brother William Clark preceded Georgie in death.

My dear Mother, I will carry your heart with me always.

Private services to be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org.