Plan for the Future
Anne C. Lyon, a resident of Chatham, New Jersey for over 50 years, passed away peacefully on May 8th, 2024, at the age of 83. Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Anne touched the lives of many with her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for her family and friends.
Anne is predeceased by her husband, Richard E. Lyon Jr. (Dick), her parents, Edward and Pauline Chmiel, and her sisters, Jeanne Roberts and Barbara Kelly. She is survived by her three adoring sons and their wives, Richard E. Lyon III (Meghan), Peter J. Lyon (Katherine), and David J. Lyon (Sarah), her seven cherished grandchildren, Richard, Katherine, Arabella, Beatrice, Cecilia, Georgiana, and James Lyon, as well as her dear nephews, Tim and Andy Roberts, and their families.
Anne graduated high school in 1958 from Benedictine Academy in Elizabeth, New Jersey. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from Seton Hall University in 1971, a New Jersey Teaching Certificate in English, as well as a Studio Art degree, from Saint Elizabeth College in 1980, and an Interdisciplinary Humanities Masters of Letters: Fine Arts Concentration from Drew University in 1990.
Anne met her future husband, Dick, while working at Exxon, and they married in July 1966. Anne first and foremost was a dedicated wife and mother. She drew on her sharp intellect, athletic abilities, artistic skills and strong nurturing instincts to raise her sons, working tirelessly to support her boys and stay ahead of a seemingly endless stream of activities, sports events and school projects between the three of them.
Anne was actively involved in the Chatham community, serving as a grade school substitute teacher, volunteering in several roles at St Patrick’s Church and participating in town committees, including serving as Treasurer of the Chatham Recreation Board and Publicity Chair of the Biennial Fishawack festival in the early 1980s. Anne also served in various capacities at Overlook Hospital, including the Nominating Committee Board and Twig Chairman / Fundraising Coordinator. Anne also cared for her aging parents later in their lives, sharing a special bond with them as their youngest child. In short, Anne was always more comfortable giving, and helping others brought her great joy in life.
Following the lead of her husband, Anne loved playing golf, and she and Dick were very active members at Baltusrol Golf Club for over 45 years. Anne held leadership positions on the women’s 9 and 18-hole golf committees and greatly cherished the friendships she developed on the golf course and through the club. During retirement in Jupiter, Florida, Anne was a regular at The Medalist Club for over a decade and forged lasting friendships in the Jupiter community.
Anne also loved antiquing and traveling in England and throughout Europe with her sister, Jeanne, creating cherished memories and having many adventures together. A wonderful cook and gracious hostess, Anne enjoyed convening dinner parties at their home and exploring New York City for meals, shows, and museums with friends and family. Anne also loved doing the New York Times crossword puzzle daily and was competitive with her friends and sons about completing them in record time. Anne enjoyed creating art throughout her life, and frequently found herself immersed in oil paintings, calligraphy and pastels.
Despite her many accomplishments, her children and grandchildren were her true pride and joy, and she absolutely cherished spending time with them during holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and other special occasions, or even just for a quick visit and a hug. She lived for and through them and will continue to do so.
Anne’s resilience, kindness, and love for her family and friends will be deeply missed, but fondly remembered by all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Anne’s name to the Changing Lives | Foundation for Morristown Medical Center (f4mmc.org).
A mass of Christian burial will be held at the Church of Christ the King, 16 Blue Mill Road, New Vernon, NJ on Thursday, May 16th at 11am, followed by a family-only interment service.
