Teresa M. Lyons

Teresa M. Lyons, 89, of West Chester, PA, a retired R.N. and matriarch of the Philadelphia Lyons family, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2016.

Ms. Lyons was born in South Philadelphia in 1927, one of 14 children born to Cecelia C. Lyons (née Regan) and John T. Lyons. A child of the Depression era, she and her siblings grew to be very close and remained so throughout her life. Never married, “Aunt Terr”, as she was affectionately known by family and friends, was a loving and supportive sister, aunt, great-aunt and great-great aunt to well over a hundred family members who counted on her for wise advice as well as occasional gentle scolding if they veered off course from traditional Catholic values.

A devout Catholic who lived her faith daily, Teresa served in a variety of volunteer roles over the years including President of the Associate Members of the Philopatrian Literary Institute, a Catholic organization whose mission is to serve God and support the Catholic Church.

In her youth, she earned her R.N. degree from St. Agnes Hospital in Philadelphia and went on to work at Fitzgerald Mercy Hospital in Darby, PA for most of her career. During that time, she earned a degree as a Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). She also worked at Wills Eye Hospital and Paoli Hospital before retiring in 1992 with a superb nursing career behind her.

An avid reader and travel enthusiast, she traveled extensively in her later years, usually in the company of her siblings Reverend Edward D. Lyons and Sister Cecelia Immaculate, I.H.M., with whom she had a very strong bond. For much of the past four decades, the trio was inseparable and family members lovingly nicknamed them “the Holy Trinity”.

In addition to Father Lyons (of Somers Point, NJ) and Sister Cecelia Immaculate, I.H.M. (of West Chester, PA), she is survived by sister Rita C. O'Brien of Mobile Alabama, Joseph R. Lyons of West Chester, Pa, 26 nieces and nephews, 90 great-nieces and nephews, and 60 great-great nieces and nephews.   

 
Funeral Mass: Friday, April 29, 2016 10:45 AM at SS. Phillip and James R.C. Church, E. Lincoln Highway (107 N. Ship Rd.), Exton, Pa 19341.
 
Visitation: 9:15 AM to 10:30 AM Friday at the church.  
 
Interment: Calvary Cemetery.

Donations:  In lieu of flowers family prefers contributions to Camilla Hall Nursing Home, 1145 King Rd., PO Box 100 Immaculata, PA 19345.