Joan Ryan

What a ride! Joan Ryan was a dynamo. A woman with a plan, a mission, and the courage and strength of character to carry it out. A true woman of faith, Joan took Jesus’ words to heart as a young girl. Love one another, serve the poor and the less fortunate, be a walking example of Christ. Her dedication to her family and the many causes she served over the years are examples to us all of love in action. 

Born in the Bronx to Mary Radigan and Hugh Halligan, Joan attended Saint Raymonds and Aquinas High School where she excelled in academics, leadership and basketball. Joan loved her early career as the secretary to the president of a Manhattan corporation. She was married in 1951. In 1966 Joan, her husband Gerry, and their three children moved to California where she joined Saint Dunstan parish. 

When the going gets tough, the tough get going! In 1970 Joan found herself the single mother of five children. She immediately began her studies in real estate and became a very successful Realtor. She went back to school to earn her AA degree and her broker's license, partnering with another woman to open their own office - Green Oak Realty. After being president of the board of realtors for North San Mateo County, the board recruited Joan to become their Executive Officer. When the four boards of San Mateo County merged into one, Joan was again chosen to lead the newly formed San Mateo County Board of Realtors. After retirement, Joan was a tireless volunteer at St Dunstan Church and St. Vincent de Paul. A highlight of her retirement was becoming an Associate of the Sisters of Mercy. She treasured the relationships she formed with her fellow associates and the sisters. A lover of people, travel and a good party, the matriarch of our family will be missed by all.

 Joan is predeceased by her parents, her beloved sister Maureen, her brother Buddy and her daughter Virginia. She is survived by her brother Jim Halligan (Anne), sister Rita Phillips; children Lori Ryan (Catee), Tara Rochlin (Dave), Gerry Ryan and Tori Marien (Doug); grandchildren Heather Fiske (Jamie), Robin Fiske, Emmett Smith (Magda), Alex Rochlin (Claire), Bradley Rochlin (Lucy), Erin Ryan, Megan Ryan (Matt); great-grandchildren Maxx Petrillo, Mya Petrillo, Alice Duncan, Mason Hoffman, Charlie Rochlin and baby girl “player to be named” Rochlin Bradach. Joan is also survived by her much-loved nieces and nephews and their families.

A funeral mass will be held at St Dunstan Church in Millbrae on January 31, 2026, at 11 am immediately followed by a reception in the Parish Hall.