Joan Elizabeth Lutkus Ryan

Joan Elizabeth Lutkus Ryan, age 78, of Levittown, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2026. She was born to the late Anthony and late Frances Lutkus in Newark, NJ on May 30, 1947. Joan lived a life marked by compassion, dedication, and service to others.

Joan pursued a nursing education at Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey, where she earned both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and her Master of Science in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing. She went on work as a Psychiatric/Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist, offering care, understanding, and advocacy to those in need. In the late 1970s, she served as a nursing faculty member at Georgetown University, where she inspired and educated future generations of nurses.

In 1979, Joan entered the novitiate with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Baden, Pennsylvania, beginning her formation at Holy Rosary Convent in Pittsburgh. Although her path later led her in a different direction, this chapter reflected her deep spiritual commitment and desire to serve.

On July 9, 1983, Joan married the love of her life, John Andrew Ryan, in New York City. Together, they built a life centered on family, faith, and dedication to social justice.

She is survived by her devoted husband, John Andrew Ryan of Pennsylvania; her cherished son, Matthew Aloysius Frances Xavier Ryan of Pennsylvania; her brother, Dr. Anthony D. Lutkus of Florida; and her sister, Constance Clark of New Jersey. She also leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews: Christine Clark Sizer, Megan Clark, Erin Clark, Cristen Clark, Jordan Clark, Anthony Erik Lutkus, and Alison Lutkus Calabrese.

A visitation or Joan will take place on April 17, 2026 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 225 Bellevue Avenue, Penndel, Pennsylvania from 10:30am-10:50am. The Family Eulogy will follow 10:50am, and then the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. She will be laid to rest at Our Lady of Grace Cemetery after Mass.

Joan will be remembered for her kindness, strength, and unwavering commitment to social justice and caring for others. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched through her work, her family, and her faith.