Goldye Lyons
PICTOU – Goldye Patricia (nee Williams) Lyons, 102 years young, of Pictou and formerly of Truro, died May 20, 2017 in East Cumberland Lodge, Pugwash. Surrounded by members of her family, Goldye crossed the bar to set sail with her beloved husband of nearly 70 years. Her death was as peaceful as a sloop slipping its moorings in the early dawn light.
Goldye was born in Florence, Cape Breton, the daughter of the late Martha (Stubbert) and Robert Williams.
She was an avid highland dancer and amateur musician, winning many medals for her dancing, and playing piano in the early cine theaters, and in musical groups for country dances.
Goldye attended Normal School in Truro where she met the love of her life, Robert W. Lyons. They were married 77 years ago on 24 May, 1940. She said that because their anniversary was on the long weekend, her husband would never forget it. After Normal School, she moved to Halifax and Annapolis Royal. Her daughter Judith Erlyn was born at this time. When the war ended, they moved to Truro. During her 16 years in Truro she was active in bridge, the Kinettes, the Truro Curling Club and busy raising her growing family. Her son Robert Llewellyn and daughter Lee Ann were both born in Truro.
In 1960 the family moved to Pictou where Goldye was very active in the community as a member of the annual Rotary stage productions, at the Pictou Golf Club and the Pictou Curling Club, playing badminton, and bowling, and in the bridge club; and most of all, sailing aboard Aurum, S’Caper, and finally Blue Mist, on cruises to Cape Breton and the Bras d’Or Lakes in company with other sailors from the Pictou Yacht Club.
Goldye was also an avid bird watcher and spent hours enjoying watching their habits. She was a sports fanatic, whether it was cheering on her Blue Jays or cursing Federer for beating her idol Nadal, she had an opinion and the knowledge to back it up right to the very end. Her quick witted replies to all were legendary.
Goldye was an active supporter of the work of St. James Anglican Church parish, as backup organist and a member in the church choir. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
She was predeceased by her husband, Robert W. Lyons; her father and mother; her brothers, Earl and Chester; her sisters, Cavel, Ninette, Olive, Hazel and Dot; and grandson, Allan Patton.
She is survived by the following family members: her daughters, Earlyn ‘Lyn’ Lyons Tetreault and Lee Ann Lyons, of Pictou; her son, Robert (Maria de los Angeles Ugalde Castro) of Pictou and San Isidro de El General, Costa Rica; grandchildren, Patricia Tetreault (Alana Cassidy), Prince Albert, SK; Suzy Nadeau (Tony), Halifax; John Tetreault (Kimberly Richardson), Pictou; Terry McCully (Dinah Ortega), Calgary, Alberta; Benjamin McCully (Jen Arruda), Collingwood, Ontario; Dylan Lyons (Tara Heath); and daughterin-law, Elaine Nystrom, Nanaimo, BC; her step-grandchildren, Kimberly, Anthony, David, Naomy and Gabriel Ugalde Castro, Costa Rica; and her great grandchildren, Patrick, Katelyn and Robbie Tetreault; Emma Lyons and Helena McCully; Patrick Nadeau and Rebecca Ouellette; and beloved nieces and nephews, Janet, Chuck, Earl, Judy, Linda, Robert, Donnie, Aggie June, Jan, Jody, Rosemarie, and John.
The family wishes to expresses its appreciation to the staff of East Cumberland Lodge for their loving heartfelt care given Goldye during her stay with them in her last year.
Funeral will be held 2:00 PM Friday May 26th from St. James Anglican Church, Pictou. A reception will follow with interment at a later date. By Goldye’s request, there will be no visitation.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to St. James Anglican Church, Pictou; East Cumberland Lodge, Pugwash, or to a charity of your choice.
www.mclarenfuneral.ca