OBITUARY
Isabel Lyons
April 29, 1930 – December 22, 2020
Isabel Lyons passed away peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her loving family on December 22. Isabel was born in Hazelton, PA on April 29, 1930 to William and Mary Reed. She was the sister of Margaret Mary (Peggy) Meo and brother George Reed (Alice). She was the beloved mother of Patty Brune (Michael), Mary Ann Lamberton, and Michael Lyons (Karen). Isabel was predeceased by her daughter Kathleen Berganski (Michael) who provided Isabel more love, care and affection than can ever be expressed. She also had eight cherished grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
Isabel raised her children as a single mom in Montclair, NJ at a time when it was particularly hard to do this alone. She did a fantastic job as her children went on to become successful in the public health and corporate environments. Isabel had a very impactful career in fashion and retail where she started as an associate and went on to become the General Manager of a very large department store’s flagship store in Washington DC.
After retiring from retail, Isabel started another career helping young children at a local YMCA. She also volunteered at local schools to help children learn to read.
Isabel was a voracious reader herself and loved to travel. In addition, she loved to go to cultural events wherever they may be. She volunteered for many years at the Smithsonian African American History Museum. She would also sit for hours working on her beloved jig saw puzzles.
Some of her lasting memories will be the unique wooden doll houses she built each of her grandchildren, her love of animals and painting, especially her stencil work.
In lieu of flowers the family requests you make a donation to Alzheimer’s Association, https://www.alz.org/ . Please send your notification card to Michael Lyons, 539 Alexander Ave, Brick, NJ 08724
There will be a private viewing (due to Covid) at the Robert E. Evans Funeral Home, 16000 Annapolis Rd, Bowie, MD 20715 on December 27
May the wind always be at your back And the sun upon your face And may the winds of destiny carry you aloft to dance with the stars
Services
Mass of Christian Burial and Inurnment at a later date
Memories
Isabel Lyons
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ADD A MEMORYKaren Neander-Lyons
January 1, 2021
“Isabel/Grandma/Mommy” was always there for us and gave so much to her family, to each and everyone of us, in her own special way and time. We will forever keep her memory alive and miss her everyday.
richard harguindeguy
December 31, 2020
Isabel Lyons was the best boss I have had in my career. She was smart, tough but very fair. I had th pleasure of working for her at Woodies Fair Oaks. We had a great relationship and she because an important mentor in my career at Woodies. I cherish the memories. I send hugs and positive thoughts to the entire family. You all clearly loved her and it showed in the picture. I am certain that love was reciprocated. I was so sad that I lost track of her after she retired.
Richard
Rosemary Felton
December 31, 2020
Isabel was a mentor to me in my early executive years in retail at Woodies. We worked together at Fair Oaks Mall. Her passion inspired me and her zest for life was amazing. I would not have succeeded in my career had I not spent time under her watchful eye and talented hands.
God bless you Isabel, RIP knowing you you shared so much with those around you. Remembering also your home “ The Cottage” and introducing my family to the tradition of the carols at Wolf Trap. Fondly, Rosemary Felton
Elizabeth Tordella
December 30, 2020
What a gift was this woman! God rest her soul. To her family, thank you for sharing her with me
Julia Krebs
December 30, 2020
I worked for Mrs. Lyons during her retail years. She was my General Manager. She not only worked incredibly hard, but was very fair. She worked long hours side by side with her managers, setting a wonderful example. To her family, please accept my sympathy and prayers. God Bless.
Michael Lyons
December 25, 2020
I have such fond memories of the times these wonderful ladies took the train to NYC and meeting me and sharing great moments together