Anni was born in 1954 in Alameda, CA, to Dr. Bernard and Mary Ann Ryan. The Ryan family relocated to Spokane when Anni was five years old.

Anni was absolutely unique in nearly every way: she made all she met feel loved and appreciated.  She genuinely enjoyed all those she met, and they felt the same about her. That was her gift. She conveyed a love of life that was contagious.

Her life was filled with many activities and accomplishments. She taught at Whitworth University and founded the Ryan House Studio of Stained Glass, and her vibrant art contributed to the life of the community. She also served as president of the Spokane Art School, championing the love of art among younger students.

She was a dedicated collector of vintage goods, and in 2018 opened a storefront on Sprague Avenue which has become a fixture of the community. The conversation was what mattered, not the sale. Her customers, soon to become friends, were captivated by her warm personality, broad smile and infectious laugh.

Among her proudest accomplishments was to bring relief, over many years, to orphans in Romania. She organized teams of volunteers who made multiple trips to repair orphanages and distribute necessities and medicine that were in short supply. Sometimes just holding an infant was the best medicine of all. This garnered extensive media coverage and captured the attention of the community.

She still managed to find time to play: she was an accomplished skier (snow and water), an avid gardener, and ran several half-marathons, while battling cancer. Coeur d'Alene Lake was her haven throughout her life, where she enjoyed the company of family, friends and neighbors. This was where she found life-long peace and happiness in what would later be known as "Anni's Cove".

But what mattered to her most was her love for Jesus and her family: her husband of 38 years David; Lauren (Annabel) (Australia); John and grandson Evan (Boise); Olivia (Los Angeles); Katherine Mary (Los Angeles). They were able to lovingly send her on her way at the end.

She is also survived by her extended family: Patrick Ryan (Kathleen); Barney Ryan (Mary); Kathryn Gould (Budd); Suzanne Nevers (John); Jeanne Ryan. Brothers Dr. Thomas Ryan and Dr. John Ryan preceded her in death. The family would like to express appreciation for the kind and compassionate care received from Dr. Nichols and Dr. Rinn, of Cancer Care Northwest.

Anni passed away peacefully on the 29th of March, surrounded by family and friends following a determined and courageous 15 year battle with advanced cancer. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Community Cancer Fund in Anni's name.

A funeral mass will be said on Friday, April 11, at 12:00 pm at Sacred Heart Parish, 219 E Rockwood Blvd., Spokane, WA 99202, followed later by an Anni-style Celebration of Life at Chateau Rive (lower level of Flour Mill) from 4:00 - 7:00 pm (casual attire recommended).