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At the VNA Hospice House of Vero Beach, Mary Lou Lyon (89) made a peaceful exit of this life as she entered Heaven’s gates at approximately 3:45pm Tuesday, June 23rd. She was cared for by the outstanding team at VNA. Mary’s family is forever grateful for their love and support.
A farm girl by nature but city girl by heart, Mary spent her childhood on her family’s farm in Alexander, Iowa, before leaving to join her sister Grace in sunny California. The excitement of city life led her to be a career-minded young woman, where she earned her wings as a stewardess for Western Airlines. It was in her travels to San Antonio, Texas where she met her late husband George R. Lyon. In 1954, they were married in Findlay, Ohio.
After spending a few years in Findlay, the couple decided to move their family to Torrance, California. George and Mary had three children: Bruce Lyon, Barbara Dietrich and Beth Petrone. In 1969, the family moved across the country to Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Mary got her Real Estate license and discovered her natural talent in sales. She remained a successful realtor for over 40 years and continued her career, achieving many awards while working here in Vero Beach with Alex MacWilliam Real Estate.
“Creating something from nothing” was in the fabric of Mary’s DNA, as she was blessed with creativity. Sewing was one among her many talents and passions. Dresses for dances, aprons for household chores and beautiful hand embroidered quilts were her specialties.
Whether she was helping her family, working her business, cooking for the Community Church, singing in the choir, or helping a neighbor, Mary had a committed work ethic.
She is survived by her brother, Roger (RuthAnne) Stoffer; children, Rebecca Lee Stoffer, Bruce Lyon, Barbara (Karl) Dietrich, Beth Petrone; and her 6 grandchildren, Courtney, Karson, Luke, Sara, Nick, and Barrett.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to VNA Hospice House of Vero Beach and/or Community Church Choir. A Service will be held 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 16, 2020 at The Community Church of Vero Beach, 1901 23rd St, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
Additionally, Mary’s daughter Barbara has initiated a “Pay it Forward” scholarship fund in her mother’s honor named the “Mary Lou Lyon Women’s Basketball Scholarship Fund” to be awarded to a deserving young female athlete attending college next fall. Attending college was one of her dreams.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Scholarship Foundation of Indian River County, P.O. Box 1820, Vero Beach, Florida 32961, 772-869-9869, https://www.sfindianriver.org/support-us/ways-to-support/
Arrangements by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
© 2024 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
Gary and Linda Moore - Friends
June 28, 2020, 2:13 pm
We extend our sympathies to Mary’s family and friends. Her church and choir family were very important to her, and we will miss her. She spoiled us with her delicious baked goods and was always quick to share a recipe … from memory! In addition, she helped so many families find their “forever” homes here in Indian River County. We give thanks for her life. She was a true blessing who has left a vibrant legacy with us!
Earle Boyter - Neighbor
June 28, 2020, 7:57 pm
Connie and I are sorry for your loss. Mary was our neighbor and a good friend. I enjoyed helping her keep her trees straight after the storms. And Connie sang with her.
Russell and Jamie Carson - Friends
June 28, 2020, 10:22 pm
Mary you will be missed by sooo many people our deepest sympathy to her family and friends RIP Mary until we meet again
Kim Doke Fletter - Mary’s friend’s daughter (family friend)
July 5, 2020, 4:22 am
Heartfelt condolences to Mary’s family. She met my family not long after moving to Ft. Lauderdale (early 70’s) & they quickly became good friends. I later reconnected with Mary as an adult years later after moving to Ga. because my mom wanted to take a trip to see her once again (2012?). After reconnecting, even though we didn’t talk often, I knew when I did call her our conversations had a bond in the Spirit that endeared our hearts. I am forever blessed just by knowing Mary & by the things she taught me. She was always so giving of her time & talents, always offering unselfishly to figure out a way to make things happen for you. As a teen, I recall I wanted to learn how to can tomatoes & she swiftly got a plan & next I knew we were up to our eyeballs in canned tomatoes & Green tomato “Cha Cha”. She also taught me & my husband about real estate, helping with several closings in S. Fla. I’m so glad I will have such fond memories to last my lifetime. She lived a long good life & thankfully is rejoicing in the Lord’s presence now. I will miss her terribly! May the Lord bless her memory. Love, Kim Edge Doke Fletter
Amy Cosner - Friend
July 7, 2020, 1:04 pm
To the family and friends of Mary, please accept my deepest sympathies in this time of loss. Mary and I became friends while she was a member of the Vero Beach Choral Society. May the peace of God be with you all and comfort you in the sad days ahead.