Obituary of Marion Elizabeth Lyons

MARION ELIZABETH LYONS ROCKLEDGE, Fla. Marion "Betty" Lyons, 80, a lover of the arts and gifted pianist and performer, died December 6, 2011, in Indialantic, Fla. Born in Philadelphia, to Marion (Brusch) and James L. Chamberlain, she was the eldest of four children - sisters, Peggy (Jim) Veith, Fresno, Calif., and Dottie (Bill) Bertholf, Horsham, Pa.; and brother James (Lynette) Chamberlain, Clancy, Mont. She married Joseph T. Lyons, former publisher of Times Union, on October 18, 1952, and raised six children, a daughter, Colleen Golub; and five sons, Shane, Rockledge, Denis, Jonesville, Timothy, Saratoga, Christopher, Loudonville, and Brendan, Halfmoon; and 13 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Marion was an honors student throughout her school years and graduated from Annunciation School, Brookline, Pa., and Notre Dame High School for Girls, Moylan, Pa. She received a B.S. in liberal studies in 1981 from the University of the State of New York, with a focus on library science. Family career moves in the years she raised a family took her from Pennsylvania to Florida, Missouri, Delaware and New York. To her large and extended family, she was lovingly known as Mar Mar, a woman of incredible generosity, altruism and patience. She especially loved music and encouraged her family to embrace it. She played piano at social events and loved when others sang along, especially her soul-mate, Gramps, whose polished Irish-tenor voice augmented Mar's musical skill. Marion played the organ at several parishes, including St. Paul's in St. Petersburg, Fla., and St. Mary's, Rockledge. She performed in musical theater throughout much of her younger life and donated her time and expertise to many related causes. She was a member of the Fort Orange Garden Club, and a volunteer with the Albany Institute of History and Art, and Capitol Chamber Artists. Mar Mar enjoyed gardening, reading and especially family gatherings. Everyone who knew her was impressed with her strong moral character, gentle nature and wonderful sense of humor. Funeral services will be private in Loudonville. In lieu of flowers, friends and relatives may make a contribution to Hibiscus Children's Center, PO Box 1742, Vero Beach, Fla., 32961. For directions, information or to light a memory candle for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com