Alicia Kircher Lydon

Alicia Kircher Lydon, 84, of Lake Forest, passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 1, 2012. She was the loving mother of Alicia (James) Crawford of Lake Forest, Jeffrey Lydon of New York City, and Douglas Lydon of Chicago; devoted grandmother to Lacy Crawford (Eric) David of San Francisco; James Crawford IV of New York City; and Gardner and Lucy Lydon, both of New York City; and delighted great-grandmother to Simon David. She was predeceased by her daughter-in-law, Betsy Lydon. Alicia was a native of St. Louis, MO, where she attended The John Burroughs School. She was a graduate of Mills College, Oakland, CA. She lived most of her life abroad, including Havana, Rome, and London before settling in Chicago with her family, where she had lived for the last 20 years. In Rome, she co-founded an American Women's Club that provided resources and community for Americans abroad. She was a driving force behind the expansion of the Overseas School of Rome. As a lover of fashion, she was delighted when Valentino invited her to be one of his models. Alicia was a long-standing and enthusiastic board member for both the Community Associates of the Art Institute of Chicago and the International Club. A master gardener, she had a life-long love of gardens and gardening. She was a member of the Ladue (St. Louis) Garden Club and a 20-year volunteer at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Alicia was an accomplished painter, was active in writing and arts circles, and dedicated to her friends near and far. She was an active parishioner at the Church of the Holy Spirit in Lake Forest, where she served as a chalice bearer. A service of celebration of her life will be held there on Monday, Feb. 7, at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chicago Botanic Garden. Info: Wenban Funeral Home, Lake Forest (847) 234-0022 or www.wenbanfh.com