Lucille Ryan Gostenhofer died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, in Laguna Woods, Ca., on Sept. 27. She was 91. 

She was born Sept. 8, 1930 to Francis Patrick Ryan and Theresa Hoffman Ryan. She grew up in Torrington, Conn., was an accomplished classical pianist and throughout high school enjoyed performing with her sister, a gifted violinist.  

Lucille attended Wellesley College and earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics with a minor in music. After graduation, she married George Gostenhofer. They settled in Wellesley and had six children.

She was a devoted mother with an ability to orchestrate a myriad of activities including Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and lessons in dance, skating, swimming, tennis and art. She encouraged musical pursuits including piano, violin, cello and flute, despite the brood lacking her musical proficiency. Her perfect pitch allowed her to magically correct wrong notes from another room, calling out, “A-sharp!” or “B-flat! Flat!” to the struggling musician. Lucille expected and applauded all academic accomplishments. 

She was an exacting and thoughtful business partner with her husband. She efficiently kept all financial matters in order throughout their diverse entrepreneurial ventures as they moved from Massachusetts to California to Texas and back to California.

Lucille and George established a summer residence on Chappaquiddick and it became an all-important destination each summer, long into their golden years. Summers on Chappy were the high point of each year, with the cottage teeming with her children and grandchildren, extended family and friends, cats, dogs, horse and pony, and the flurry of Island activities. 

Her favorite spot was relaxing on the Chappy deck, enjoying sunsets and the evening sky.

She lived life with grace and tenacity. Her laughter, charm and beauty are missed.  

She and George were married for 62 years. He predeceased her in 2013.

She is survived by a sister, children, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held on Chappaquiddick in 2022.