Lisa Deana Ryman Miner's Obituary
Lisa Deana Ryman Miner was born August 14, 1959, in Chico CA to Patricia Gagnier Marsh and William Emmett Marsh, her stepfather. Her biological father was James Sims Ryman.
She passed peacefully into the arms of the universe in the hour before dawn on April 27, 2025 after a year-long battle with brain cancer. She is now with the angels, being one herself. Her loyal and adoring husband, Henry, and her stalwart canine companion, Oliver, were by her side.
She is survived by her sisters Janelle Gagnier, Teena Coyne, Andrea Keenan and Jill Marsh along with twelve nieces and nephews and, through her husband, Henry, three stepchildren and four step-grandchildren.
As a young child, she and her family lived in several different locations in Northern California, before finally settling in the East Bay town of Moraga. There Lisa attended Campolindo High School where she served as Commissioner of Social Affairs among other activities. Also while in high school, she was chosen to join Soroptimist International and received a prestigious award as a member. She was very proud of this accomplishment.
Outside of school, she loved riding her horse, Little Beaver, in the Moraga hills. Her love of horses, dogs (including her own beloved Paris, Fluff du Bois, Beau, and Oliver), and all kinds of animals was ever present.
After high school, she matriculated at San Diego State University where she studied business and was a proud and very active member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority. After college, Lisa worked in sales and customer support for several firms in the emerging computer industry, including Computerland and Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC). She adapted rapidly to the tech business environment, always learning as she went along because, if she didn’t know the answer to something, she would go and find it. Customers adored her for her can-do approach and even more for her warm, engaging demeanor. In both her personal as well as her professional life she was known for her extraordinary empathy. She always led with her heart.
While she was very proud of her business acumen and professional accomplishments in the tech world, Lisa’s true passion was always art. When asked what her profession was, she always answered, “I’m an artist.” As a child, from an early age, her mother (who nicknamed her Sunny—as much for her personality as for her beautiful blonde hair) recognized her creative talents and encouraged her to pursue them, taking her to art classes. She often won awards, much to her surprise.
She continued with her art creations as an adult, making gifts for family and friends for holidays, birthdays, and other occasions. Finally, in the mid-1990s she took the leap, left the security of the corporate tech world and started her own business, Gagnier Design, producing beautiful hand-painted olive oil bottles that were sold through retail locations. The business proved to be very successful; at one point she hired two artists to help with production. Ultimately, her bottles were sold through stores such as Smith & Hawkins, Fred Segal, and David M. Brian, wineries such as COPIA in Napa, the Sur La Table catalogue, and even Home Goods who had one of Lisa’s Christmas designs used in manufacturing tea sets.
Lisa’s art went far beyond the retail olive oil business which, by itself, was successful enough to enable her to purchase her beautiful home in the Oakland hills where she loved to entertain at the drop of a hat and would warmly welcome all who came to her garden gate. She also produced glasses, plates, bowls and many other art pieces for friends and family. Many have “Lisa shrines” made up of her creations in their homes.
Often people would say to her, “I think of you every day as I use your beautiful bottle when I’m cooking dinner.”
During her year-long battle with brain cancer and after, Lisa received many wonderful messages from so many well-wishers. What was said to her and about her captures her essence beautifully. Here are some of what people wrote:
I will never forget her bright eyes and smile that light up a room when she enters
Lisa was a gift to us all
She made the world a better place
She brought the neighborhood together with her strength
You are the gentle, kind heartbeat of this neighborhood
You were the first neighbor to greet me and welcome me to my new home
When I first moved here, it was you who made me feel at ease
I get instantly happy when I see you
Her presence is all around my house with her beautiful glass pieces
I am so grateful to have you in my life
Thank you for enriching my life
The world is brighter because Lisa was in it
Your loving nature, creativity, and artistry positively impacts all of our lives
I am blessed to have you in my life
She didn’t just spark joy, she was joy
You are always so kindhearted and joyous
You are a warrior
Lisa was and always will be such a light in our lives
Lisa was and always will be an angel
Lisa will be greatly missed by so many friends and family near and wide. She was taken from us far too soon. And clearly, from her gathering with the angels she wants us to know that ultimately, “everything will be ok.”
What’s your fondest memory of Lisa?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lisa?
Share a story where Lisa's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lisa you’ll never forget.
How did Lisa make you smile?