Lake Forest College women's hockey player Ryann "Ry" McCarthy passed away Tuesday (July 28) due to complications from cancer that was diagnosed last fall.
A Lombard, Illinois, native and graduate of Willowbrook High
School, McCarthy came to the College in 2006 after helping lead
Team Illinois to a state championship.
McCarthy played for the Foresters from 2006-08 and is the program's
career leader in save percentage, goals against average, and
winning percentage. She recorded two of the top four single-game
save totals in team history late in the 2006-07 season and ranked
seventh in the nation in save percentage that year. A fierce
competitor, McCarthy was forced to stop playing last year due to
her illness, but she could often be seen cheering on her fellow
Foresters.
"We are extremely saddened by the loss of this extraordinary young
woman and important part of our campus community," began Athletic
Director Jackie Slaats. "We will miss Ry's fiery red hair,
energetic personality, great sense of humor, and passionate
spirit."
"As a player, Ry was one of the most competitive and talented
goalies I have ever coached," began Forester head coach Carisa
Zaban. "She loved hockey and it showed in her attitude and her work
ethic. Outside of hockey, Ry was one of the most amazing
individuals I have ever met. Her smile and laughter were infectuous
and she touched many people's lives with her upbeat attitude and
terrific sense of humor. I will never forget her and what she has
brought to my life."
Ryann McCarthy, loving daughter of Terry and Sue McCarthy; dear
sister of Samantha; granddaughter of Georgene and the late James
"Red" McCarthy, Margaret and the late Jerry Fric; fond niece and
cousin of many. Ryann was loved by all her friends, teammates and
especially her dog Wrigley. Family and friends will meet Friday for
10 a.m. Mass at St. Joseph Church, 4801 Main St., Downers Grove.
Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Memorials
to the H Foundation, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at
Northwestern University, 60 S. LaGrange Rd., LaGrange, IL 60525,
are appreciated. Arrangements by Adams-Winterfield & Sullivan
Funeral Home.
A memorial service, along with several other campus iniatives, are
being planned. Details will be available on the Forester Athletics
Web site.
