Wanda Frances Lyons

She was born on May 13, 1921 in Ironwood, MI, and baptized a few weeks later at St. Michael Church. Her parents were Charles and Mary O’Melian. She was the youngest of eight children – four boys and four girls. Polish was the primary language in the home. She was fond of saying “I was spoiled rotten and loved every minute of it.” Her siblings preceded her in death: Ruth O’Melian, Mary O’Melian, Jeanne Jurgens, Edward O’Melian, John O’Melian, Frank O’Melian, and Victor O’Melian.

When she was 15, Wanda began to work after school at the soda counter of the local drugstore in downtown Ironwood. She made 25 cents per hour during her daily 4-10 pm shift. It was there that she met Willard Franklin Lyons. A native of Big Rapids, Willard was in the Upper Peninsula working for the forestry service while attending Michigan State University. “His boss brought him into the drug store,” Wanda said. “Bill was there every night after that to walk me home.”

Willard and Wanda were married on Feb. 2, 1942 at St. Clements Church in Dearborn, MI. Shortly afterward, Willard was dispatched to Germany, where he served in the US Army through World War II. His love for his country were expressed in the Bronze Star Medal for heroism he received, and in poetic love letters to his wife. A draftsman by training, Bill penned letters almost daily to his “punkin” using elaborate calligraphy and illustrations. Wanda and Bill enjoyed their lives together and had many wonderful adventures. She loved God, Bill and golf, in that order.

Children were not a part of God’s plan for Bill and Wanda, but with other Catholic families in Grandville they helped bring St. Pius X Catholic Church to life when they moved to the city in 1955 just as the parish was being formed. In their very quiet and private manner, the couple has been extremely generous to the Parish over the years. Willard died in their home on Sept. 22, 2011. Wanda has pined for him ever since.

She will be lovingly remembered by her nephew Gary (Sue) O’Neill, good neighbors, friends and church family.

The family would like to thank Angel Care for their wonderful services.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 3937 Wilson Avenue, S.W., Grandville, MI. Fr. Chris Rouech will be officiating. Interment will be at Highland View Cemetery in Big Rapids.

In honor of Wanda and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Pius X Catholic Church.

The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcares.com.