Karen LYONS Obituary

LYONS, Karen 60, died Jan. 31, 2013, with her family by her side in Tampa after a 5 year long battle with breast cancer. Karen was born in Philadelphia, PA, on Dec. 10,1952 to Harold and Marilyn Kling. She grew up in New Castle, DE, with her 3 sisters, Sue, Nancy and Janet. She married her childhood sweetheart, Gene Lyons, on June 6, 1970. Karen and Gene raised 5 beautiful daughters, Tracy, Laura, Jamie, Marie and Megan. Karen was truly an inspiration to all who were lucky enough to meet her. From a very early age she taught her daughters to be giving, caring people and she led by example. Karen touched so many people during her 60 years, from a foster child to organizing an "adopt a family" program at Christmas to caring for sick underprivileged children. She dedicated the last several years of her life donating her time to the Guardian ad Litem Program where she helped provide a voice for Florida's children who were either abused or neglected. Karen believed that one person could make a difference & led her life doing just that and her hope was that she could teach others to do the same. She is survived by her husband, Gene; and her daughters, Tracy, Laura, Jamie, Marie and Megan; her 12 grandchildren, Samantha, Eric, Katherine, Sarah, Zachary, Jacob, Christopher, Anna, Benjamin, Joshua, Olivia and Luke; her son-in-laws, Michael, Scott & John; as well as her sisters, Sue, Nancy & Janet. Services will be held at St. Paul Catholic Church, 12708 N Dale Mabry Hwy in Tampa on Feb. 6th, 11 am. In lieu of flowers, Karen wished for donations to be made to the Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation. To do so, you can go online to www.flgal.org/support.html and download the forms. You can donate by email, by mail, or phone (850) 410-4642. Thank you so much to her family, & her extended family of friends who have meant so much to Karen over the years. She was blessed to have you in her life, as is her surviving family. Blount & Curry Funeral Home/Oldsmar-West Hillsborough Chapel

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Published by Tampa Bay Times on Feb. 3, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Karen LYONS

13 Entries

Patricia Smith

January 29, 2021

I still remember Karen's idea for benches for people who want to walk further but needed a rest. Whenever I drive by, I pray for both Karen and Jaime. They are still missed and lifted in prayer.

Patricia Smith

January 28, 2019

I remember Karens heroic fight against breast cancer and her doing it in silence. Every so often she would come to my car window and thank me for driving Jamie to and from choir. I lived so close it was easy to do. The impact Jamie made on our choir of about 60 members was astonishing with Jamie just being herself. I remember her entering the Westchase contest for things to do to improve our lives living here. The benches still all over Westchase were her winning idea. One is placed just beyond the doctors office on Linebaugh. It is decorated with shrubs and trees. Every time I drive by I say a prayer for Karen and Jamie (who died in October that same year.) I pray for the family who also lost their elderly dog in December. When her husband moved away to be with the other family I pray for him as well.
She was a holy woman who is missed.

February 11, 2013

Gene and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jennifer Roche' and Rich Lovinger

February 7, 2013

Karen was a true inspiration to all who knew her. I got to know her through the LPMI program.She was courageous and had a strong faith. May God Bless all of you during this time.

JoAnn M. Koehler

February 6, 2013

Gene, Jamie, Megan and family,
We are sad for your loss but happy that Karen is now cancer-free. Karen was simply a delight to know and a very sweet neighbor. She truly was ALWAYS concerned for others before herself and always looking for ways to help others. The only thing she loved more than helping others was her family whom she clearly adored. We will miss her.
Sincerely,
Peter, Yvette, Lauren & Lindsey Green

February 5, 2013

Dear Gene and Family,We love all of you and we are so sad for you and us but know that Karen is no longer suffering and is finally at peace. She is such a wonderful women and has inspired me, I always thought if I could have half of the faith she had, just amazing. .we will always hold all of our friendships close to our heart,and will continue to be diligent in prayer for your family.
With love to all of you,
Jean and Rich

Rowena Wilkinson

February 5, 2013

I am so sorry to hear of Karen's passing and my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I was in the same Lay Pastoral Ministry Association class of 2007, but only connected during our "joint" class sessions. I know she was such a wonderful person and wished I had known her a bit more. May she be at rest now.

Lewis & Rama Patterson

February 5, 2013

Dear Gene and girls, Karen was a shining light to everyone that knew her; we know you will hold the memory of her wonderful love and example in your hearts forever. We are sorry for your loss. We treasure our times spent with Karen.

Mary Hoskinson

February 4, 2013

Dear Gene and Family, We are very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you.
James CARSTAR

Charlene Duplin

February 3, 2013

Dear Gene and Girls,
Soo Sorry to hear of the passing of Karen. She has been in our thought and prayers every day. I am happy I was able to visit and talk with Karen the last time we visited Florida. Karen was an inspiration to all those who had the privilege of knowing her. Rest in peace, Karen, and see you later.
Love and God Bless,
Charlene and David Duplin

Patricia Smith

February 3, 2013

And may perpetual light shine upon her.

Claudia McIvor

February 3, 2013

Rest in Peace, Karen. The LPMI Alumni Association sends prayers of thanksgiving for the life of our sister and for her generous and kind witness in all she did. May the songs of the angels welcome her.

Dave, Stacey and Jeremy Barker

February 3, 2013

Gene and girls, so sad to hear about the passing of Karen. I feel blessed to have known her for so long. She was an amazing, lovely lady who showed by example what was important in life and how to live life. Please know you all are in our thoughts and prayers. Love you all!!!

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