Margaret Lyons

Margaret Lyons was an exceptional wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and a faithful servant of God. Her devotion to her family, compassion for others and her organizational skills were evident throughout her life. Margaret took great pride in her family and made sure that her ideals were passed on through her inspiring example. Everything Margaret did, she did with a willing heart, a ready smile and a desire to follow Jesus.

Born July 3, 1924 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands to Gerrit and Marie (Nees) Meeuwig, Margaret was the oldest of four daughters. Her world was greatly changed when four years later her father immigrated to Grand Rapids, Michigan, paving the way for the family to follow a year later. One can only imagine her feelings of apprehension and excitement while crossing the Atlantic Ocean, viewing the Statue of Liberty and entering through Ellis Island. Her new start in a new country was deserving of a new name. From then on, Grietje was known as Margaret.

Margaret’s motherly instincts were apparent from an early age. One of her younger sisters, Marie, was born with special needs, and Margaret “stepped up to the plate” to help her mother care for her. Her time spent taking care of Marie and attending to household duties left little time for childhood activities. While at home, Margaret was learning household skills from her mother; at school she was meticulously learning to speak English. These skills helped her a great deal in her first job, working as a secretary in a bank, which she took after graduating from high school.

One fateful Sunday in the local church, Margaret noticed the broad shoulders of the young man in the pew just ahead. His name was Jerry Lyons, and he noticed the pretty girl in the red dress sitting behind him, too. After the church service, Jerry offered Margaret and her sisters a ride home. Of course, he ushered Margaret into the front seat next to him, and a romance bloomed that day.

When the threat of war became a reality with the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Jerry went off to defend his country. He kept in touch with his love and proposed to Margaret in a heartfelt letter. Margaret’s future mother-in-law helped her shop for a ring, and the young couple was married on April 25, 1946, after Jerry’s return from the Army. About a year later, their union was blessed with the arrival of the first of their three children. In all, their family included two girls, Katherine and Elisabeth, and Russ, their only son.

Over the years Margaret devoted all her time and attention to her children. She was extremely organized. She ran the household with strict routine with everyone knowing their role and position. The house was neat and clean “with a place for everything and everything in its place.” Margaret did not dictate, but rather led by example, making sure each of her children knew how to perform the tasks and skills required to run the household. While Margaret ran a “tight ship,” she was always approachable and loving, leading and guiding by example.

After the kids were older, Margaret had a chance to return to secretarial work, first at Montgomery Wards, then National Waterlift, and finally at Lear, where she had applied for months. Lear recognized her organization gifts and she became the engineering librarian until her retirement.

Over the years, Margaret and Jerry enjoyed traveling. They had a chance to visit Hawaii, Alaska, and winter a few times in Florida. Nothing brought Margaret more joy, though, than visiting her children’s families and spending time with them. In earlier years, the cottage on Hess Lake was a favorite spot for family outings. When Margaret and Jerry were together, their mutual love and respect was a shining example of what a marriage should be. They worked as a team, consulting, encouraging and loving one another.

Margaret shared her talents not only with her family but with those outside the family, too. Her faith was of primary importance, and she faithfully attended church, using her gifts for singing and playing the piano in worship. It was apparent to family and friends that she sang to the glory of God. In truth, everything Margaret did was motivated by her love for the Lord. She also used her sewing talent to mend, create quilts, and make other items for missionaries. From the time she accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior and Lord, it was evident that Margaret lived her life in a way that honored God.

When Margaret became a grandmother she was there soon after each one was born. Just as with her own children, she molded, encouraged and inspired them. She brought them just the right toys, educational toys for their development. She enjoyed spending as much time as she could with each one showing them how to cut flowers, tend the garden, set the kitchen table, read and many other things.

Margaret suffered a stroke in 2001, which left her in need of care. She lived at Kent Community, Luther Village and spent her last few years at Breton Manor where she received the care she needed. Margaret passed away on April 8, 2008 at the age of 83.

Margaret’s qualities of compassion and hard work were informed by her faith and evident throughout her life – in her care of her family when she was younger and later with her own children and grandchildren. She was a devoted wife and mother who inspired those around her to be all that they could be. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Margaret Lyons is survived by her husband, Jerry; their children Katherine Lyons and fiancé John Urbine, Elisabeth and Ralph VanHeusen, Russ and Cindy Lyons; 11 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren; sister and brother-in-law Chris and Dave Fryling and several nieces and nephews. A service to celebrate Margaret’s life will be held on Saturday, April 12 at 2 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield NE where relatives and friends are invited to visit with her family on Friday from 4-6 PM and on Saturday from 1 PM until the time of the service. For those who wish, memorial contributions to either Faith Hospice or Breton Manor are appreciated. To read more about Margaret’s life, to share a favorite memory or to sign the online register, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.