Andrew J. Lyons

BIRMINGHAM, ALA.-Andrew J. Lyons, 91, passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2009, in Birmingham, Ala. Andy was born to the late Andrew Jackson and Mary Agnes Lyons on Sept. 13, 1917, in Montpelier, where he grew up with his six brothers and four sisters. After graduating from high school Andy spent three years in the Army and was awarded the Soldiers medal for heroism. Upon leaving the service, he went to work with National Life Insurance in Montpelier. There he met and later married Ruth-Ann, a marriage that would last for more than 62 years. Soon after he was married, Andy was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Andy met the challenges of his disease with courage, grace and determination for over 60 years.

Following the births of their first two children, John and Martha, the family moved to Longmeadow, Mass., where Andy took a position with Mass Mutual Life Insurance. Longmeadow brought two more children, Barry and Janet, and many wonderful and cherished, life-long friends and happiness.

The children grown, Andy and Ruth-Ann relocated to Atlanta, Ga., where they spent their early retirement years. In Atlanta, Andy and Ruth-Ann worked as volunteers for many years at Northside Hospital. They also traveled extensively over that period, enjoying time together. They also continued to increase their circle of cherished friends.

In 2001, Ruth and Andy moved to The Galleria Woods Retirement Community in Birmingham, Ala., to be nearer to family members and to continue to enjoy retirement. He and Ruth-Ann made many wonderful friends at Galleria Woods and enjoyed attending symphonies, traveling, playing bridge and staying in touch with friends and relatives across the country.

Andy was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Ruth-Ann; his daughter Martha; four of his brothers, Bob, Maurice Pete and Bill; and three sisters, Hazel Pecue, Sr. Margaret and Sr. Dorothy.

He is survived by his children, John Lyons (Anna Lee) of Atlanta, Ga., Barry Lyons (Bonnie) of Suffield, Conn., and Janet Harrod (John) of Birmingham, Ala.; five grandchildren; his brothers, Don and Dick Lyons; and his sister Louise Hanson.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Longmeadow, Mass., on Saturday, April 4, at 11 a.m. with a military burial following at Longmeadow Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 3840 Ridgeway Drive, Birmingham, AL 35209.