Sylvia (Boutilier) Lyons
Date de décès : 20 février 2012
We, the family of Sylvia Annette Lyons (nee Boutilier), regret to announce that Sylvia took her final breath in the physical world on Feb. 20, 2012, while sleeping at home with her loving and devoted husband Tommy at her side.
Raised in Birch Grove, Sylvia was daughter, big sister, babysitter, teacher, confidant and second mother to her siblings and the smaller children in the neighbourhood. A quiet person, Sylvia possessed a kind and generous soul never to be heard say a bad thing about anybody.
In adulthood Sylvia began attending dances where she met and fell in love with Thomas Lyons. The two young lovebirds married and moved to Glace Bay where they started their life together, bringing their baby boy Daniel John (D.J.) into this world. More loving, devoted parents a child would never find than Sylvia and Tommy.
Sylvia, a member of St. Mary’s parish, Glace Bay, discovered her connection to the Lord when she was offered the comfort and support from her weekly visitors from the parish which made her passage from this realm to the next less frightening for her.
Left behind to mourn the loss of a beautiful and honest soul is her husband of 33 years, Thomas ‘Tommy’ Lyons; her son, D.J., Smokey and Daisy, all at home in Glace Bay. Her mother, Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Boutilier, Westmount; brothers, John Boutilier (Mannie), Stewiacke, Brent Boutilier (Mary Beth), Ontario, Wayne Boutilier, Ontario; sisters, Bernadette Boutilier (Joe Moore); Sydney, Rose Anne MacDonald, Westmount.
Also left to mourn Sylvia is her father-in-law, Dan Lyons, Marion Bridge; sister-in-law, Deborah Reid (Mike), Glace Bay; niece, Alice (Philip) Ross; nephew, Michael Jr. (Tanya) Reid; grandnephew, Mike; brothers-in-law, David Lyons, Marion Bridge, LeRoy ‘Jr.’ (Patsy), New Waterford.
A lover of all children, she leaves behind several nieces and nephews, which were blessed to have had the privilege of her love, Eric, Brent, Kendra, Preston, Amy, Steven, Leighann, Kayla, Parker, Gracie, Jesse, Tyler, Brianna, Alyssa, Andrew, Haley and Aunt Sissy’s Gabriel (The Baby), who always brought a smile to her face and she to his through their close and special relationship.
Left also to mourn Sylvia’s passing is her sister-friend and her own Angel on Earth, Nancy MacLean (Billy), who was there for her 24 hours a day to do whatever she could to make this long, painful battle with cancer more tolerable. We are all forever grateful for her.
Sylvia was predeceased by her father, Hubert Boutilier; stepfather, John Vincent MacDonald; mother-in-law, Alice Lyons; maternal and paternal grandparents, maternal/paternal aunts, and maternal/paternal uncles and cousins
In keeping with Sylvia’s wishes, an at home family viewing followed by cremation has taken place. There will be a funeral service, where Rev. Judi Phillips will officiate acknowledging Sylvia’s life and to start her spiritual departure on Thursday, Feb. 24, 2012, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, Marconi Street, Glace Bay. A light lunch and reception to follow in the parish hall immediately after the service. Burial will be at a later date.
At Sylvia’s request, family flowers only have been provided. Donations honouring Sylvia’s memory may be made to St. Mary’s Church, The Cancer Treatment Center Patient Care Fund at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Palliative Care or charity of choice.
At this time Sylvia’s family would like to thank those persons and organizations who unselfishly assisted Sylvia, Tommy and DJ during her illness and passing, St. Mary’s Parish Choir and Auxiliary, Tom MacNeil; MSW, RSW, Alice (Honey) Ross, Kelly Blunden; RN, Gordon MacNeil, Wendy Chordis, Phil Ross, Gwen Boutilier and family and friends who visited Sylvia both during her hospitalizations and her time at home.
At this time we would also want to express in words our gratitude to Tommy, her devoted husband and son, D.J. for the level of love, dedication, and self sacrifice he held to ensure that Sylvia’s last wishes were fulfilled to pass at home where she was most comfortable. This enormous gift of time and patience to Sylvia and the giving up of oneself for the love of his wife and best friend is a testament to Tommy’s character. We are forever grateful to you.
We will all miss you terribly Sylvia, but are at peace knowing now that you are free of pain and fear and we will always have your spirit and our memories of you near.
