Obituary of Lucille Ryon

On May 6, Anne Barlow Ryon, 62, passed away peacefully at home, with her family by her side. The courage she demonstrated in her battle with cancer was an inspiration to others. The daughter of the late Alice and Leo Barlow, she entered this life on May 23, 1946. She graduated Notre Dame High School in '64, and attended SCCC Culinary School. She was a member of the Junior League and served as Schenectady Democratic 7th Ward Committee woman. She was the proprietor of Sample Rags Shoes, the Brownstone Pantry and Queenanneofcape may.com. Anne worked as an office manager for "This is a Recording" and for many years in the NYS Legislature. She served on the staff of Assembly Speaker Stanley Fink, as administrative assistant to NYS Democratic Chairman Joseph Crangle and office manager for Senator Anthony Massiello and Assemblyman Ron Tocci. Anne was an influential force within the Capitol. Her culinary skills were legendary, hosting many luncheons and dinners where the movers and shakers of Albany gathered to sample her delicacies. She was referred to as the "Perle Mesta" of Albany. Anne was a tireless force for the enjoyment of life. She was the leader and we were the followers. If there was a room full of people, Annie made it a party; if there was conversation, she made it a chorus of laughter and fun. Anne was the "Queen" and we were her court, Anna B. was "one of a kind". Prior to her illness, Anne worked for her dear friend, lawyer Paul D'Onofrio of Albany. She loved to travel both in and out of the country. She was an avid contract bridge player with her friends for over 40 years and participated in duplicate bridge. She loved entertaining her many dear friends and family. Her whippets, Holly and Fitzi, were always by her side. Anne is survived by her devoted husband of 43 years, George L. Ryon III; and her children, Nicole (Myron) Ryon-Pensyl, George L. Ryon IV; and her grandson she adored, Adam Ryon-Pittman. Anne was predeceased by her brother, Clement Barlow; and her sister, Mary Jane Decarlo. She is survived by sisters, Phyllis Beaudette, Madeleine Przybylek, Lorraine (Phillip) Carpentier, Eleanor Miranda; brother, Leo (MaryBeth) Barlow; and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service and celebration of Anne's life will be held June 21 at 4 p.m. at the Unitarian Church, Schenectady. For information of her celebratory party, please respond via email to annestribute @aol.com. Thanks to the staff at Ellis Hospital A6, Riverview Oncology, Hospice, and the Hospice Inn at St. Peter's. Special thanks to Marty, Marcy, Marcia, and Marion. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Labrecque Foundation, 1414 Prince Street, Suite 400, Alexandria, VA 22314 or visit www.tglfoundation.com.