Elizabeth L. Ryan

Age 100, Elizabeth “Libby” Margaret (Lounsbury) Ryan joined her beloved late husband, Edward J. Ryan, on July 19, 2024 having lived a long, full, and giving life.  Loving mother of Kerry J. Ryan (Roza), and grandmother of Colleen Woodhull (Michael) and Daniel Ryan.  Libby, as she was known to all her family and friends, at age 91 was interviewed to relay her life story for members of her church, Covenant-Community Presbyterian Church, and we have the privilege of sharing that written life story with you:

“Libby's father served in World War I and was wounded while in France. His background was English and French. Her mother, whose maiden name was Fish, taught high school English and French in Niles, OH until they were married. Then Libby came along.

Libby was born in Cincinnati, OH on June 10, 1924. By this time, Daddy, (as Libby called him the rest of their days together) was a manager for Childs Restaurants in Chicago, then in Louisville, KY. It was here at the ripe old age of 5, Libby's dancing "career" began with Ballet lessons at the local YWCA with a wonderful teacher.

Libby's father's next transfer was to Cleveland where she attended 3rd and 4th grade at McKinley School in Lakewood, OH. They lived in a great house with a long back yard that went straight into the Rocky River. About a quarter of a mile from their house, the river flows into Lake Erie. When there was a bad electrical storm, they could see the lightening plunging right into the lake. Libby sure remembers those times!!

When Libby was 10 years old, sure enough, her Daddy was transferred again, this time, to Pittsburgh, PA and she has been here ever since. They settled in Dormont where she attended Hillsdale School, now the Dormont Municipal building. It was here she experienced the 1936 St Patrick's Day flood, had scarlet fever and graduated from Dormont High School in 1942. During her school years, Libby was an "average" student, didn't get into trouble, participated in the school's annual Varieties and played basketball.

By this time Libby's "career" in dancing was serious. She was teaching Ballet and Toe or "Pointe" (as it is now called) at the Vera Liebau Dance Studio. It was here that one of her students gave her the nickname "Libby." In short order, it was time for Libby to "spread her wings" and off she went to New York City to take classes at the School of American Ballet. To pay her way, she got a job in the chorus line of Leon and Eddies. In those days, it was a well-known night club. They did three shows every night at 8:00, 10:00 and midnight. It was kind of a tough schedule, but she was usually in bed by 4 a.m. and at school in plenty of time for her two classes the next day.

This was during World War II and there was always a lot to do. New York City was a busy place with lots to see and enjoy. It was really a time in her life that she will never forget.

Libby came home to Pittsburgh roundtrip only once during that year. It was a long "Pennsy R.R." trip sitting on her suitcase in a train jammed with servicemen and regular travelers. She decided to never do it again. After a short visit with her parents, she returned to NYC to quit her job, finish up some lessons, say goodbye to her landlady and friends and head home.

Back in Pittsburgh, Libby got her teaching job back and sometime later went for an audition at the Pittsburgh Playhouse for the first of three pending musicals. (She got parts in all three.)

Meanwhile, mutual friends introduced her to a red-headed Irishman named Edward Ryan who became the light of her life. They were married March 14, 1953. In 1954 their son Kerry was born and they moved to Green Tree. In 1961, after selling their Green Tree home, the family moved to Scott Township where Libby discovered Covenant-Community Church and decided this was the place for her. In due time, after joining the church in 1966, she became a member of the chancel choir and a Deacon, as well as working (in later years) in the CCPC kitchen of the local Meals-on-Wheels.

She had become a stay-at-home mom until a new secretary was needed at her husband's office. After getting her real estate license, she became a full time employee until Ed died May 2002 and she closed the office.

Libby is the proud Grandma of Colleen, a Point Park graduate and Daniel, an Army veteran.

She says this is pretty much her life history. She thanks everyone for taking the time to read this. She says she is proud and thankful to have reached 91 years old ...young sounds better but she has to face the facts.”

Libby lived on to celebrate her 100th birthday with family, her good friend, Sue, and the staff at Heritage Manor.  She passed away peacefully, and although she was not Jewish, we believe it would be appropriate to say May Her Memory be a Blessing.

Friends received at Laughlin Cremation & Funeral Tributes, 222 Washington Rd, Mt. Lebanon, on Monday, July 29, from 3 pm to 7 pm where a funeral service will be held the following day, Tuesday, July 30, at noon. Interment to follow at Mt. Lebanon Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to Covenant-Community Presbyterian Church, 1630 Greentree Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15220.

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