Helen Teresa Lyons

Helen Teresa Lyons, 85, went home peacefully to God enfolded in the prayer of family and loved ones and in the company of friends, at Claremont East Senior Living in Bremerton on Friday, February 24th, 2012.

She was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, the seventh of eight children, to Michael Joseph Lyons and Mary Veronica O'Reilly. Her father died when she was only two years old. She was also preceded in death by her mother, five brothers (Anthony, William, James, Joseph and Jack), and a sister (Catherine). She is survived by her sister, Mary Stephens, of San Clemente, California and many nieces and nephews.

After graduation from St. Peter's High School in Worcester, Helen entered professed religious life, joining the Order of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield. The name she was given in religious life was Sister Veronica Joseph, after her parents, but she was affectionately called "Sister VJ" by those who were closest to her.

She was a member of the community for 23 years, during which time she served tirelessly as a well-loved and respected teacher by her students, peers, and fellow educators. February 15, 2012 marked the 65th anniversary of the taking of religious vows for Helen and the sisters with whom she entered religious life. They have remained close friends over all these years.

Helen then moved to Blaine, Washington where she continued her teachng career for an additional ten years in the Blaine School District, until her retirement. During that time period she was an active and dedicated member of St. Anne Parish, serving in many volunteer ministries. She eventually became a staff member, ministering to the clustered faith communities of St. Anne, St. Joseph in Ferndale, and St. Joachim on the Lummi Reservation.

In 1991, Helen moved to Bremerton where she became the rectory housekeeper and cook for Holy Trinity Parish. She quickly became an active and vital part of parish life and was again involved in ministry as a Eucharistic Minister, Lector, and Coordinator of the Hospitality Group, to name a few. She will be remembered as a woman of abiding faith, as one who loved life and people, as a compassionate and caring friend, and as a quintissential storyteller. Her stellar sense of humor, the twinkle in her eye, and the smile on her face brought joy to many hearts.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, March 1, at 10 a.m. The rosary will be prayed at 9:15 a.m. and a friendship gathering will follow after the service. Interment will be at Miller-Woodlawn Memorial Park.