Obituary: Jean R. Lyons, 94, of Branford

Obituary courtesy of Porto Funeral Home:

Jean R. Lyons died peacefully on October 12, 2023, at Hospice in Branford, CT. Jean is now with “Sonny”, family, and her Fair Haven friends. Jean was born on November 2, 1928, in New Haven, CT to the late Walter and Katherine Bracken Johnson. She was a loving and caring wife for over 60 years to Matthew “Sonny” Lyons, Retired NHFD, Deputy Chief and mother to Matthew “Matt” Jr. and his wife, Lois. She was predeceased by her brother W. A. Scott (Margaret) Johnson and niece and nephews Gayle Scott, Paul Johnson, sister-in-law Ruth (Ned) Lynch, and nephew Ted Lynch. Survived by nephew and nieces: Mark (Laurie) Johnson, Carol Damico and Maria Lynch.

Jean attended St. Francis Grammar School and participated in both the Jr. & Sr. Drum Corps winning individual bugle and trumpet competitions throughout the Northeast. Her toughest competitor was Anne Kinnane who was her “dear friend” throughout Anne’s life. Jean continued her active participation in the senior’s corps throughout Hillhouse HS and her years at “SNET”, her marriage to Sonny, and up to the birth of their son. She then retired from active participation in drum corps but not from assisting Sonny’s and eventually her son in the family’s hobby/lifestyle. She transitioned from an active musician into the background as the director and supporter of the family’s lifestyle. She immersed herself in raising their son and managing the family activities and volunteered at St. Francis School while her son attended. Later she worked at Macy’s and finally at the former CT Saving Bank as payroll administrator. She and Sonny retired and moved to an easier lifestyle at a Branford condominium.

As the years and decades passed, She and Sonny were still very active in their drum corps lifestyle both becoming docent at the Company of Fifers and Drummer Hall in Ivoryton, CT. Upon Sonny’s passing, Jean spent the last years of her life in EGW’s Independent Living Center.

In her late 80’s, Jean spent several years volunteering at St. Mary’s Grammar School in Branford assisting 1st and 2nd grade, as well as, meeting with Madison HS students to tell of her life experiences growing up in Fair Haven in the 1930’s - 1960’s. Jean enjoyed and looked forward to each Tuesday and Thursday to immerse herself with the many youngsters who provided her with so much pleasure in her remaining years.

Her funeral procession will leave the PORTO FUNERAL HOME 234 Foxon Rd. (Rte. 80) East Haven WEDNESDAY morning at 10:30. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. John Bosco Parish in St. Mary’s Church (Branford) at 11:00. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. Family and friends may call WEDNESDAY morning from 8:30 to 10:30. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to CT. Hospice www.hospice.com, St. Francis School now known as All Saints Catholic Academy www.allsaintsnewhaven.org or Rock Steady Boxing www.rocksteadyboxing.org.