Jeanne K. Lyons

Jeanne Knaggs Lyons of Northridge, California, passed away peacefully at her home in the early morning of Sunday, March 6, 2016. She was 87.

Jeanne was born at home in Detroit, Michigan, on October 11, 1928, the youngest of five children born to Cornelius Francis Knaggs and Aetna Claire Knaggs (née Bonner). She attended St. Mary Grammar and High School, before attending University of Detroit, where she was a member of Rho Gamma Zeta Sorority. It was while at college that she met Chester ("Chet") Stephen Lyons, to whom she was married until his passing on August 1, 1971.

After Chet's death, Jeanne took up accounting, and continued working until January 2014, when she retired from Ultimatte Corporation after more than 20 years of service with the company.

Jeanne's family and friends were her delight, but she enjoyed her grandchildren above all else. She took great joy in spoiling them. An accomplished seamstress, she created all their Halloween costumes, the stand-out of which was a Roger Rabbit costume, replete with a fully replicated hood.

Jeanne had an artistic flair, and engaged in needlework, crocheting, and even metal sculpturing. An armchair sports enthusiast, she enjoyed everything from football to golf to NASCAR racing. She was also an avid "I Love Lucy" fan; and, no matter how many times she had seen an episode, she laughed every time.

Jeanne was a voracious reader, and rarely met a mystery novel she didn’t like, particularly one by Agatha Christie. Jeanne loved a good gin martini (like 007, shaken, not stirred), and celebrated each New Year's morning with a mimosa. Organized person that she was, she was the consummate list-maker, and these could be found just about anywhere!

Jeanne was preceded in death by her brother John Knaggs and her sister Dorothy Knaggs Jackson. She is survived by her son Stephen Lyons; daughter Margaret Williams and her husband Patrick; grandchildren Thomas Williams, Rebecca Williams, and Deborah Williams; sister Dolores Murphy; brother Cornelius Knaggs; and a number of loving relatives and close friends.

A celebration of her life will be held in her home on Sunday, March 13, 2016. The family wishes to thank all of those who cared for her during her last illness, especially the nurses and staff of Northridge Hospital and the nurses from Roze Room Hospice. Donations in the memory of Jeanne may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.

Online condolences can be left at http://www.bastianandperrott-oswaldmortuary.com.

Arrangements under the direction of Bastian & Perrott, Oswald Mortuary, Northridge, CA.