Sr. Eucharia Ryan RSC, Johanna Mary Ryan, also known as Ann, was born July 25, 1933 to Patrick Joseph Ryan and Mary Margaret O’Sullivan in Kilkenny, Ireland.
After working at the Custom house in Dublin, Eucharia entered the convent in 1954. In 1957 she spent some time at St. Vincent’s Cork as a cook and in 1959 in Bath as Housekeeper/student.
Sr. Eucharia made her final vows on January 29, 1960. Sister “Eucky”, as she was affectionately known, arrived in the US in 1960 where she taught at several elementary and high schools. Her first assignment was at St. Hedwig’s School in Los Alamitos. In 1962 she taught at St. Columban’s school in Garden Grove. Eucharia then moved to St. Cornelius in Long Beach and taught at St. Cornelius school from 1967-1972. In 1972 Eucharia moved to Marycrest Manor and was teaching at Resurrection school in Los Angeles for a year and then moved to Immaculate Heart school where she taught from 1973-1977. Then she moved to live at St. Brigid of Sweden Convent and taught at St. Genevive’s High School from 1977-1988. She was well known as an excellent teacher for engaging students with passion for US history and Civics. Sr Eucharia then moved to Milltown where she worked on the cause of Mary Aikenhead for three years.
In 1991 Eucharia returned to California and took a sabbatical in Berkley for a year. When she returned from her sabbatical she taught for a year at Dolores Mission in East Los Angeles. In 1992-2005 Eucky worked at St. Aloysius Gonzaga parish in Los Angeles where she was much loved for her social outreach. In 2007 Sr Eucharia retired to the 14 Street community in San Pedro and when she needed more care she went to live at St. John of God retirement Center in 2007 until her death.
She became a US citizen in 1976 and was awarded for her scholarship in American history by Loyola Marymount University. Sr. Eucharia is survived by her dear sister, May, brother-in-law Gay Noonan, and her nephews, Martin, John, and Des Treacy, and nieces, Patricia Treacy, Ann and Gemma Noonan as well as many cousins. Eucharia is predeceased by her parents, her brother Canice and sister Therese. Sr. Eucharia was known for her constant care for those made poor and her love of Mary Aikenhead.
Her zest for life and great laugh reminds us of the words of John O’Donohue: The sound of your voice Found for us A new music That brightened everything
Sr. Eucharia entered into eternal life on March 12, 2023 at St. John of God Nursing Home, Los Angeles. May she rest in peace.