The obituary, shown below, was originally published in the May 3, 2012
issue of
The Daily Local News (West Chester, PA).
Dorothy Hickey Lyons of Downingtown, formerly of West Grove
Dorothy Hickey Lyons, 102, died on Wednesday, May 2, 2012, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of the late H. Francis Lyons, with whom she shared 39 years of marriage at the time of his passing in 1977. Born in New London on August 28, 1909, she was the daughter of the late Eugene P. and Ella Desmond Hickey. Dorothy graduated from Kennett Square High School and West Chester State Teachers College in 1931. She was a teacher for 35 years. She started teaching in a one room school house outside Kemblesville then taught first grade for Oxford Area School District until she retired. Dorothy was a member of Assumption BVM Church in West Grove and St. Joseph Church in Downingtown. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, gardening, baking and trips to the casinos. Mrs. Lyons is survived by her children, Marie O’Donnell, with whom she made her home, of Downingtown and Thomas Lyons and his wife, Patricia, of West Grove; five grandchildren, Edward O’Donnell (Judith), Thomas O’Donnell (Kelly), Mark O’Donnell (Dina), Maura Rinehart (Jeffrey) and Eileen O’Meacham (Michael); and 14 great- grandchildren. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 7, at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 300 State Rd., West Grove, where family and friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, West Grove. Memorial contributions may be made to Neighborhood Health Services, 400 E. Marshall St., West Chester, PA 19380. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the James J. Terry Funeral Home., Downingtown.