Carolyn Dolores Lyon

1938 - 2023

Carolyn Dolores Lyon
February 9, 1938 - November 5, 2023
Carolyn Dolores Lyon passed away in Redwood City on November 5th at the age of 85. She was surrounded by loved ones.
Born at Mills Hospital to Robert and Laura Gustafson, the former a son of Swedish immigrants and the latter a descendant of San Mateo County pioneers, Carolyn remained in the Bay Area her whole life, spending her later years in the same home that her parents first built in Belmont.
She attended St. Matthews Catholic Elementary School, Mercy High School, and San Jose State College where she majored in business and was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority. She graduated in 1959.
Carolyn met and fell in love with Robert Johnson, the brother of a sorority sister, and they wed in 1960. After his military service, the couple lived in Redwood City where Robert worked as an officer for the Police Department. They had 2 children together, Paul and Gail, before Robert tragically died in 1968.
Carolyn returned to work and began a career with Syntex Laboratories in Palo Alto in 1969 and worked in the Sales Training and Education department as an Administrative Assistant. She worked there for 25 years, retiring in 1994. In her retirement, Carolyn was actively involved in the Syntex Syva Alumni Association where she served on the board for many years. She enjoyed keeping in touch with many great colleagues from her work years.
Carolyn remarried in 1981 to Jerry Lyon, a next door neighbor. They were married for 42 years. They enjoyed spending their retired years together taking trips to Tahoe and watching their grandchildren play sports and perform on stage. She also enjoyed playing bingo, watching SF Giants baseball, doting on her cats, and spending time with her family. Her Catholic faith was an unwavering and important part of her life.
Carolyn was a very loving and devoted mother and wife. She treasured and nurtured many long friendships throughout her life. She kept in touch with friends and family near and far. Her caring and warm nature was a special quality she shared with everyone she met.
Carolyn is survived by her daughter, Gail Thompson, her son in law, Ken, her 2 grandchildren, Cassidy and Sawyer, and her niece and nephews Laurie, Bob, and Keith Reyen. She also leaves behind her husband, Jerry, 3 step children, 6 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. She is predeceased by her beloved son, Paul Johnson, and her sister, Roberta Smith.
A Memorial Mass Celebration will be held at St. Matthias Church in Redwood City on Tuesday, November 28th, 2023 beginning with Rosary at 9:45am and Mass at 10:00am followed by burial at Skylawn at 12:00pm. A reception will be held after the burial. In remembrance of Carolyn, donations can be made to two causes that were close to her heart - Sisters of the Holy Cross or Mercy High School in Burlingame. More information can be found at the following links: https://www.cscsisters.org/donate https://www.mercyhsb.com/giving