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Carolyn Lyon Obituary
April 6, 1943 - August 29, 2020
Resident of Gilroy
Words cannot express how deeply Carolyn will be missed by her family and friends. She was kind and generous and always willing to drop everything to help a friend in need. She genuinely cared for others. Carolyn's intelligence, common sense, and wisdom meant she was sought out by many for counsel and company. She got along with everyone and was the anchor that kept us united.
Carolyn was born in Parkersburg, WV, to Clyde Glenwood and Marie Lena (Lockhart) Harmon, and as a young girl moved to San Jose, where she graduated from Camden High School and attended San Jose State College. She held many jobs, but was most proud of her work for the registrar's office at Foothill College. Her volunteer work over the years was extensive, including Home and School Club president at Lone Hill Elementary School and her many years of service to the Thrift Box/San Jose Auxiliary for Children benefiting Stanford Children's Hospital. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, genealogy, organizing Camden High School class reunions, collecting Dept. 56, and her cats.
Carolyn was the beloved wife for 56 years of Bill and the adored mother of Ross and Scott. She was a devoted grandmother to Carter, Tabitha, and Alexander and a loving mother-in-law to Christina and Shalimar. Carolyn deeply loved and was cared for by her sisters Marilyn Wright, Betty (Fred) Ludeman, and Clare Ferry and her many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her brother Ken Westfall and sister, Jeanne Timmons. Carolyn will be interred at Gavilan Hills Memorial Park in Gilroy, California.
We will miss her laughter, her good nature, her creativity, her honesty, and most of all her very kind spirit. With a twinkle in her eyes, she made everything around her brighter and better.
View the online memorial for Carolyn Lou (Harmon) Lyon
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Memories and Condolences
for Carolyn Lyon
Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.
Betty Ludeman
August 31, 2023
Still missing you Curley....hard to believe it has been three years since you passed.
Joseph, Rosemary and Elijah...That's my Mom in the background
Rosemary Porras
September 29, 2020
I met you Carolyn while working for your Dr. I loved seeing and speaking to you when you were there. You became a very good friend of mine probably because of your kind heart and listening ear. You encouraged me to meet a life partner and told me to try the internet. I had given up and didn't want to try anymore but with you encouraging me and finally met my husband Joseph. I am blessed to have a husband and a wonderful son because of you. Thank you for being a beautiful person inside and out. I've thanked God for you every day and will continue until we meet again. I love you Carolyn!
Nita and Nancy (Andrews) Morton and Shipman
September 14, 2020
My sister Nancy and I are twins also. We knew Caroline very well from high school. She was a very special person to everyone she met. We are so sorry for all of the family because she will be missed.
Ron Willett
September 10, 2020
I went to Camden and Graduated with Carolyn and her husband Bill. She was a sweet lady. She will be missed. Bill, so sorry for your loss. She is with her Lord now. God Bless.
Ron Willett
September 10, 2020
I graduated with Carolyn and her husband Bill. She was a sweet lady. Liked by all. Bill, I am so sorry for your loss. She is with her Lord now. God BLess.
Bill Holland
September 9, 2020
Have not seen Carolyn but a few times since our years at Camden. But the first paragraph of her obituary certainly describes the Carolyn I knew. Thought to remember me and send me a congratulatory message when a recipe of mine was printed in the Mercury News. Rest In Peace dear classmate.
Kimberley Van Rys
September 7, 2020
Words cannot describe the love I have for you. You where such an important person in my life and in my family’s life. I will never forget your sage words and your laugh.
“Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father's Son, in truth and love.”
2 John 1:3
Kimmy
Cindi Schmerber
September 7, 2020
I never got to meet Carolyn in person but our connection thru genealogy research on our Lemon relatives helped me get to know her as a lovely, lovely person I was proud to call cousin. I look forward to the day we can meet in heaven. I send my sincere condolences to her family and pray that memories of her will sustain you all thru the trying times ahead.
Linda (Pifer) Klinefelter
September 6, 2020
Sending prayers for peace and comfort in your time of loss. Knew Carolyn in high school and always fun to see her at our reunions.
Jenmifer Nardinger
September 6, 2020
Scott, Shalimar, Ross and Cristina.
We are very sorry for you and pray for healing and understanding. Your mom was a beautiful person and will be missed. Love, Jennifer (Amy's sister, and Jeremy's sister in law).
September 6, 2020
Bill, I am sorry for your loss of such a lovely lady. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Fondly,
Patty Giacalone
Betty Ludeman
September 2, 2020
Fly free with the angels, Curley. I will miss you forever.
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