Margaret "Betty" Lyon

Betty was my dear friend. She was a warm and empathetic woman. She had sincere interest in subjects of both the mind and the heart. She was always learning and growing. She was an active listener. She was so fun to be with. Her joy in life, and accepting smile, were contagious. She was a role model for me (and I know, so many others) with her graciousness, generosity, and courage. I can't overstate my admiration for this beautiful woman. I am blessed to have known Betty.
My condolences...

Oh God. Give me the strength to live another day; Let me not turn coward before its difficulties or prove disloyal to its duties; Let me not lose faith in other people; Keep me sweet and sound of heart, in spite of ingratitude, treachery or meanness; Preserve me from minding little stings or giving them; Help me to keep my heart clean and to live so honestly and fearlessly that no outward failure can dishearten me or take away the joy of conscious integrity; Open wide the eyes...

My final comments during my Mother's celebration of Life service at Gary Methodist Church in Wheaton. In closing, I would like to read something that was special to my Mother. It was from a local 1938 newspaper clipping that my Mother had placed in her own Mother - Ellas, book of Common Prayer. Ella, the grandmother I never met, passed away in 1938. I feel so fortunate to have a mother for 91 years, compared to only 11 the years my Mother had with hers. The clipping was titled in...

Life update: one of the world's most amazing women passed early today. She shaped me. Challenged me.
Encouraged me. Was a part of making me and many more. She looked to the world and observed so much. My life is filled with precious, priceless memories. She found joy in the complexity of this earth, in music, in culture, in place, in art. She taught me that you never stop learning and building lifelong friendships. My home and life are filled with her and her impact.
I have a my...

What can I possibly say to summarize my Mothers lifetime in a few short minutes? I guess I would say she always prioritized her relationships. Over the years she cultivated a rich tapestry of valued friendships because she was approachable and disarming. Her sweet smile and personal charisma kept them near because she was always more interested in what was going on in your life, rather than quickly sharing her own. For more than 65 years, the ancient U.S. postal mailbox was also a weekly mail...

Betty was one of the kindest people I have ever met. She was always helping someone. She always found something funny to cause me to laugh about. She did not waiver in having hope for tomorrow. She taught me to enjoy this hour and this day. I am comforted to know she is in the arms of our loving savior, Jesus.

My good wife Phyllis, (Root), (Frost), Craig was a Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan high school classmate and longtime friend to Betty. I am happy to say that I, through Phyllis, became friends with Betty and her brother Andy. It was a pleasure for us to participate in the yearly Soo High reunions and our great visits with Betty and her brother. The conversations we had at these reunions enhanced our respect for one-another along with nostalgic memories of our "Lock City" in northern Michigan....

Our hearts are full of love and memories of Aunt Betty. She was generous and joyful, always thinking of others. I loved watching her animated conversations with her "kid brother," my father, on those occasions when they were together. She honored me with her visit when I was attending the University of Edinburgh, making the 10-hour round-trip train ride from London for a brief but cherished overnight stay, during which she wanted to meet my friends, see my accommodations, and see the city...

I met Betty while visiting her from our church. She kindly invited me in to chat and we became friends. We chuckled over the fact that she was from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and my husband and I spent our honeymoon there. Will always appreciate the encouragement she offered when finding out I was attending college at a late age. Her garden, teas and Bible studies will remain fond memories as will her laugh. Here is a picture of Betty and some of the High Spirits group of Bible studying...