Obituary of Kathleen Lyons

Kathleen Lyons (nee Marquis), passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 30 th , 2020 in Cobourg. Born and raised in Brock Township, Mum was in her 93 rd year. Kathleen was the dear daughter of Tom and Mable Marquis and much-loved wife of the late James Lyons. She was loved and will be missed by her three children and their spouses - Ron (Rhonda, nee Kitchen), Viola (Tim Dickson) and Ruth (James Gibson). Mum claimed that her grandchildren were the “icing on life’s cake” and Sarah, Cheryl, Alex and Hilary will remember her with love. Her memory lives on in the next generation – Aria, Gemma and Angus. Predeceased by her sister Faith, she will be fondly remembered by her sister-in-law Gwen and family. Mum always thought she would die young! Having had rheumatic fever as a child, her parents were told she may not reach adulthood and definitely would not have children. Because of this, Mum was prepared early in life to practice her faith yet was amazed and grateful for every year she was granted on earth. A child during the depression years, Mum considered herself blessed to be able to attend high school (boarding away from home in Uxbridge) and then complete her teacher’s training at Toronto Normal School. Kathleen was over the moon to accept her first job, teaching grades 1-8 in a one room schoolhouse. She was 19 years old. Kathleen married James in 1953, but not before fulfilling her dream of teaching in a “big city” school. After 4 years of teaching Grade 1 at Lambton Kingsway School in Etobicoke, ($1800. a year) she finally said “yes”. Tucking her sparkly engagement ring into her purse, (married women were not hired but could stay on once employed) she accepted an offer to teach at Uxbridge Public School. Kathleen remembered her students with fondness and especially enjoyed helping struggling readers. A farm wife, loving mother and grandmother, teacher, an active member of the Cresswell Presbyterian church for many decades, Kathleen was a kind and compassionate soul and devoted to many causes throughout her life. A passionate gardener, she could be found outside with her trusty trowel in any weather. She delighted in watching her grandchildren grow and especially in visiting her son and family as they moved around the globe. Proud supporter of both her husband and daughter Ruth’s commitment to municipal politics. Her life was centered on faith and family. Mum’s list of favourite charities was exceptionally long - World Vison, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Mustard Seed Mission, Scott Mission, Sick Kid’s Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society etc. and it gave her enormous pleasure to support the causes dear to her heart. If desired, donations may be made through this site to a charity that you feel would make the world a better place. As Mum would say “Bless your wooly heart”! A private graveside service is planned and members of Kathleen’s far-flung family will reminisce and celebrate her life privately when circumstances permit.