Lucia E. Gegan
Nov. 5, 1941-July 12, 2024
Menlo Park, California

Lucia E. Gegan, 82, of Menlo Park was a woman who brought sunshine and a love for the arts to everything she did, she passed away peacefully on July 12, 2024 with her brother Ron, sister Lillian, brother in-law Joe, daughter Lauren, and dog Daisy, beside her. She was active up until the week before, going out to dinner and always having a glass of her favorite red wine.

Lucy's passion for art began early in her life. One of her first jobs was at the esteemed De Young Museum, where she was surrounded by beauty. Later, she and her husband, Michael, shared their love of art and history as docents at the stunning estate and gardens of Filoli.

Her professional life thrived at SRI International in Menlo Park, where she excelled as an executive assistant. And after work, she could usually be found basking in the sun at the back patio of Rossotti's with her colleagues, always engrossed in lively conversations and eagerly willing to debate with anyone who dared disagree with her until she’d won them over.

Adventure and love intertwined when she met Michael, while on an AYH trip. Their love story began with a ski date on the slopes of Alpine Meadows, and blossomed further when he proposed on a trip to Yosemite. Together they bought a home in Menlo Park, where they lived for 46 years. Their weekends were spent exploring all the local hiking trails, with her favorite being the trail around Lake Lagunita, at Stanford.

After graduating from San Francisco State University, with a degree in Art History, she embarked on a European adventure with her best friend Nancy, they even conquered the Half Dome hike together. And raised their daughters to have the same love of travel and discovery.

Holidays were a time when Lucy truly shined. Christmas was her masterpiece, filled with big parties hosted at our house in Menlo Park. She loved to create a festive atmosphere, complete with exquisite dinnerware and dazzling decorations. Fashion was another canvas for Lucy's creativity. She possessed an uncanny ability to dress impeccably for any occasion. She loved to dance, often twirling with Michael to the music at Bistro Vida or Left Bank on Saturdays. And Sundays were filled with song, as her voice was always heard at Nativity church singing hymns.

Lucia's life was deeply rooted in her San Francisco upbringing. Growing up in the Sunset District with her older brother Ron and younger sister Lillian, she loved spending time in Golden Gate Park. The California Academy of Sciences, the Japanese Tea Garden, and the paddleboats of Stow Lake were all her happy places. Lunch dates with girlfriends at Cliff House and shopping sprees culminating in a luxurious lunch at Neiman Marcus with Beryl and Jane were cherished traditions.

Lucy's legacy is a tapestry woven with a love for art, a thirst for adventure, a passion for hosting, and an unwavering love for family and friends. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Tags: arts/media, teacher/educator, business, public service