Alison Jane Levy Ryan, age 68, of Earlysville, VA died of cancer on April 10, 2024. Alison went peacefully with family at her side.

Alison was born on August 22, 1955 in New York, New York. Daughter to Gerald and Marion Levy, she was the oldest of three children.

Alison was a complicated woman, and sometimes a contradiction. While she enjoyed the finer things in life, she found the greatest joy in the simple pleasures. She loved fiercely and unconditionally, however, she also had strong opinions and wouldn’t suffer fools. She had a strong work ethic, yet she also loved to laugh and to make others laugh. As a self-reliant and hard-working woman, she knew humor was an important balance. And if you’ve ever witnessed Alison’s laugh, you were blessed. Her laugh was genuine and larger than life; it was contagious yet healing.

Despite having grown up in NY and CT and living in a few other states in adulthood, Alison considered Virginia home. Having lived there for a short time as a young married woman, Alison always knew she would return to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Sure enough, several years later, with two young children in tow, Alison returned to Virginia and made the Charlottesville area home.

Alison enjoyed a dynamic professional career consisting of several jobs. Her experience ranged from vet receptionist to business owner of Mothering the Mom–where she served new moms as a postpartum doula–and even some time spent as a seller of bull semen for a farm. Her most recent job was as a personal assistant to a veterinarian, from which she retired in 2020. While Alison wore multiple hats throughout her life, one she may have taken the greatest pride in is that of Mom. She truly put her children first, never forcing them into a box and always loving them unconditionally. Alison couldn’t be more proud of the strong, independent adults they have become. In return, her children, Katie and Sean, are extremely proud of their mother and love her very much.

After first being diagnosed in 2016, Alison had a journey of ups and down. However, Alison herself was a force of nature. Even in the face of cancer, she lived life on her terms, outliving the disease’s projected timelines. She was strong-willed and resilient to her last day. After retiring, Alison spent the rest of her days at her favorite place–her home and in her gardens. Nothing made her happier than being outdoors with hands in the dirt or simply enjoying the surrounding nature.

Alison was proud of the life she created and appreciative of all she had. If she could pass on any advice, it would be to remain curious; be grateful; if something needs doing, just do it; raise funny kids; and leave while you are having fun.

Alison is survived by son Sean Ryan and his wife Dawn; daughter Katie Ryan; brother Robert Levy, his wife Claire, and their children, Sarah and Matthew; sister Elizabeth Ward, her husband Richard and their daughters, Casey and Emma. Alison was predeceased by father Gerald Levy and mother Marion Levy of Wilton, Ct.

Alison was laid to rest at Panorama Farm, where she will have a permanent view of her beloved mountains. The family will host a Celebration of Life at a date to be determined.

For more information, Hill and Wood Funeral Services.