Lynn Lyles Brill

Lynn Lyles Brill, a wonderful and loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend died October 29, 2009 after a courageous struggle with cancer. She was born July 6, 1938 to Mary Nobles Lyles and Julian Knox Lyles. She leaves behind a world of family, friends and strangers whose lives she touched and to whom she gave unfailing support, love and comfort. Lynn is survived by her husband, Louis R. Brill, and her daughters Mary Ware Murchison; Margaret Murchison Borth, her husband Dan Borth, and their son Hardison; and Jennie Brill Doumany and her husband John Doumany. She is also survived by her sister Ruth Gay Lyles Beery, her husband Roy Berry, and their daughters Callie Simons, Maggie Vermillion, and Lillie Hutcheson. Lynn is preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Julian Knox Lyles, Jr.; and her beloved Aunt Virginia and Uncle Dan Gardner. Lynn was born in Austin, attended Pease School, University Jr. High School, and graduated from Austin High School in 1956. During her childhood, the Lyles home was filled with friends, good food and laughter. The laughter of her parents echoed in Lynn's laughter; their happiness in her unforgettable smile; their loyalty to friends in hers; and, their spirituality in hers. Since childhood, her faith was at the center of her life beginning with the First Baptist Church in Austin. In 1960 she graduated from the University of Texas where she was an active member of Pi Beta Phi and many other organizations. Her care for the outcast, the underdog, and the neglected revealed itself during her college days when she befriended a cast of campus characters including Zelma O'Reilly, the Indian Princess or Bicycle Lady, who frequented the campus environs and who could occasionally be found in Lynn's room at the Pi Phi House. Following graduation, she moved to Houston to work with Pan American Airlines. Her time in Houston was marked by the joys of motherhood and friendship and by active participation in both the old and the new Junior League kitchens, doing what she always was passionate about: cooking. In 1975, Lynn and Louis married and along with the family began a wonderful life that took them from Houston to Austin in 1982, to San Antonio in 1991 and back to Austin in 2001. At each stop, Lynn made new friends to join the legions already in her fan club and continued to give of herself and her resources, for in Lynn's credo there was no such thing as "generous to a fault". During these times, Lynn perfected her skills as the consummate hostess, opening her home to countless friends and family and to many causes. Lynn made sure no guest left her home without being sufficiently and elegantly stuffed. She was involved in many aspects of First Presbyterian Church in Houston and in San Antonio including being a long time Sunday school teacher at both. As she was throughout her adult life, Lynn was an active member of the Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Association, including president of the San Antonio chapter. She also gave by participating in many organizations including in Houston, the San Jose Clinic; in Austin, the Junior Helping Hand Home for Children, The Junior League, Les Amis de Hospice and a founding member of the Ronald McDonald House; and, in San Antonio, The Cancer Center Council, the San Antonio Library Foundation, Hospice San Antonio, Las Manitas Garden Club, and the Lantana Garden Club. While helping others was a significant aspect of her life, Lynn's first priority remained until her last day, her family. Her family and her faith were the pillars of her life. She was happiest in the kitchen with her daughters, trying to pass along her culinary skills; or on the patio with Louis enjoying a glass of wine. Even during her last days when life was becoming increasingly difficult and painful she worked into every conversation a chipper "what can I do for you?" Despite her despair and frustration at knowing she would not be able to complete the many projects she had initiated, she always managed to rally with an upbeat comment or observation. Lynn taught us by example. She showed us the importance of putting others first and supporting our loved ones. She taught us to love, to enjoy life, and to be ever mindful of the needs of others. Lynn has left us with a patchwork quilt of shared memories, each of us with our own version. Until we visit once again, until we embrace, until we laugh and talk about those memories, rest in gentle peace, dear Lynn. We'll have to find our way without your occasional advice, never-ending support, and constant love. We thank Dr. Robert Wolf and the staff at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and the wonderful staff at Hospice Austin for their efforts. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Stephen F. Austin High School Continuing Education Foundation, c/o Austin Trust Company, 336 South Congress, Ste. 100, Austin TX 78704 or to the McDonald Observatory of the University of Texas at Austin, One University Station C-1402, Austin 78712, or to an organization of your choice. Memorial services will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 3003 Northland Drive, Austin TX at 3:00 PM on Monday November 2, 2009.