Nancy Lyons
MARQUETTE, MI- Nancy E. Lyons, 93, of Marquette, passed away on Sunday morning, August 18, 2024 at Mill Creek Assisted Living after spending several days surrounded by family and friends doing things her way and under the care of Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice and the kind staff of Mill Creek.
Nancy was born on April 19, 1931 in Marquette to William Roy and Fannie Elina (Aho) Englund. She graduated from Graveraet High School.
She met Thomas R. Lyons while working at her first job, Singer Sewing Center, downtown Marquette, where she said he would come and take her to coffee. They married on July 7, 1951 at St. Peter Cathedral. She later worked at JC Penney and retired from Marquette General Hospital as a cook.
Nancy enjoyed quilting and sewing. She was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church and a loyal volunteer of their quilting group, making hundreds of quilts to send to third world countries. Nancy was a mom to five, grandma to six grandchildren, her most prized title “GiGi” to five great-grands. She loved to travel, be part of all the activities of all, and was proud of herself after tubing with her great-grandchildren at the age of 91. She was never one to miss anything.
Nancy is survived by her children, Stephen Lyons of New Zealand, Patricia “Patti” (Joe) Ketvirtis of Marquette, Catherine (Rick) Ritari of Cedar Rapids, IA and Richard “Rick” (Cathy Joyce) Lyons of Mesa, AZ; grandchildren, Sarah (Jason George) Ketvirtis, Jack (Amy) Ketvirtis, Jeremy Lazenby, Matthew Lyons, Michael (Yanna) Lyons, Nicole Kling and Michael (Ashley) Joyce; great-grandchildren, Truman and Ada George, Stella Ketvirtis, Ciarra Lazenby, Zack Karki , Dylan and Devyn Luth, and Wyatt, Frank and Harvey Joyce; former daughter in law, Marilyn Applegate; lifelong friend and maid of honor, Joyce Sands; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Thomas R. Lyons; son, Thomas Lyons; and two brothers, Roy and Robert Englund.
Family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday, August 22, 2024 at Canale-Tonella Funeral Home from 3 until 5 p.m. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home at 5 p.m. with Rev. Andrew Plocher officiating. A luncheon will immediately follow the service in the funeral home. Burial will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery on Friday, August 23, 2024 at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Nancy’s memory to Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice, 914 W. Baraga Ave., Marquette, MI 49855 or Messiah Lutheran Church, 305 W. Magnetic St., Marquette, MI 49855.
Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting Nancy’s family where memories and condolences may be shared at canalefuneral.com.