Joan Vivien Ryan; Retired Registrar

Joan Vivien Ryan, retired registrar and secretary for Harvard School in North Hollywood, has died at her home in Studio City. She was 72.

Mrs. Ryan died Sept. 1 of cancer, said her son, Tim Ryan of Simi Valley.

Born in New York City, she was the daughter of vaudeville performers John T. Murray and Vivien Oakland. She came to California in the early 1930s and worked as an accountant and bookkeeper at St. Michael & All Angels Church in Studio City before she was hired at Harvard School, then a military-style boarding school for boys.

She began as a clerical worker, later working as secretary to the head of the lower school, grades 7 through 9. When she retired in the early 1980s, Mrs. Ryan was registrar and secretary to the head of the upper school, grades 10 through 12.

In addition to her son Tim, she is survived by her sons Mark of Palm Desert and Dean of Ft. Wright, Ky., and six grandchildren. Her husband, Byron (Sid) Francis Ryan, died last year.

At her request, no services are planned. Forest Lawn Mortuary, Hollywood Hills, handled the arrangements. Donations can be sent in Mrs. Ryan’s name to Harvard-Westlake School, 3700 Coldwater Canyon Ave., P.O. Box 1037, North Hollywood 91604.