Isabella “Bella” Ryan, 18, of Wilmington, Delaware leaves behind a legacy of compassion, creativity, and quiet courage that touched all who knew her.
Bella was a first-year student at Oberlin College, where she was already making her mark as a thoughtful environmental advocate, engaged community member, and beloved friend. A proud graduate of Cab Calloway School of the Arts, she was a dedicated flutist whose music brought beauty and peace to the world around her. Her artistry was matched only by the depth of her kindness.
With a heart as expansive as the evening skies she was so deeply moved by, Bella was a fierce protector of the planet and all its creatures. She spoke up for what mattered, whether it was climate justice, the welfare of animals, or the well-being of a friend in need. Animals loved her instinctively, and people did too. She had an effortless way of connecting with others, building friendships with honesty, humor, and grace. Bella moved through the world with gentleness and curiosity, seeing beauty where others might not look, and offering warmth where others might hold back. Her laughter, her empathy, and her desire for a better world will live on in the countless lives she touched.
She is survived by her mother, Amanda Santare and Amanda’s partner Ernest Robinson, beloved grandparents Michael and Lisa Santare, dear Aunts Gina and Laura Santare (Ian Broderick), cousin Elliott, “Auntie” Jaime Earnest, and paternal grandparents Connie and John Ryan, and her father, Robert C. Ryan, Aunt Stephanie Lindell (Scott Lindell), cousins Killian and Josephine Lindell, and Uncle Sean Ryan (Megan Ryan), cousins Connor and Emily Ryan. Bella touched a wide circle of devoted friends, mentors, and fellow students who will carry her memory forward.
A celebration of Bella’s life will be held on Saturday April 12th at 3:00pm, with visitation of friends and family from 2:00-3:00 p.m. at McCrery & Harra Funeral Home, 3710 Kirkwood Hwy., Wilmington, DE 19808. The service will be livestreamed here: https://my.gather.app/remember/bella-ryan. Bella loved patterns and color so please feel free to embrace color for her celebration of life service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made The Trevor Project, Oberlin Student Cooperative Association (OSCA - Donate) or Trees For The Future, causes that Bella championed with all her heart.
Though her time with us was heartbreakingly brief, Bella’s light was unmistakable. She leaves behind not just memories, but inspiration - a reminder to live with empathy, to speak up for what matters, and to love this world, and each other, as fiercely as she did.
