Eileen J. Lyons

Madison -- Eileen J. Lyons, age 80, died on Sat. Aug 23, 2008 at Don & Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare in the loving care of her family. Eileen was born on March 27, 1928 in Courtland, Wis., to Jasper and Mary (Falk) Booth. Eileen grew up on a farm in Clyman, Wis. and graduated from Juneau High School in 1946.  On May 7, 1947 she married Robert W. Lyons in Clyman. They eventually moved to Madison where she worked at the Kroger warehouse office, Madison Kipp Corporation, and began raising their family. Eileen enjoyed gardening, reading, singing, playing the harmonica and was an active parishioner of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Eileen selflessly cared for her husband Bob during his prolonged illness, which allowed him to remain at home until his death. Eileen is survived by her three children; Maurene Simle of Madison, Terri ( Sanford) Lyles of Madison and William Lyons of Tustin, Calif.; five grandchildren, Gordon Robert (Erin) Simle of St. Paul, Minn., Alicia Anne Simle of Madison, Bridget, Robert and Jacob Lyons of Calif.; a brother, Donald (Gerry) Booth and a sister Mary Purtell. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends and neighbors. Eileen was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Bob; her parents; her brothers, Jim, Skip and Winfield; her sisters, June and Myrtle; and brother in law, John Lyons and his wife Lorraine. There will be a visitation for family and friends on Wed. Aug 27, 2008, from 4:00 -- 7:00 p. m. at Cress Funeral Service, 6021 University Ave. There will be Mass of Christian Burial on Thurs. August 28, 2008, at 11:00 a. m. at St. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 602 Everglade Drive, with Msgr. Donn Heiar presiding. There will also be a visitation from 10:00 a. m. until the time of service at church. Entombment will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. Eileen maintained her strength, dignity and sense of humor throughout her illness. Her warm and caring personality touched all those who met her. She remained grateful for her blessings and strong in her faith. The family would like to express a special thanks to HospiceCare staff for their tender care and friendship as well as the loving support of family, friends and neighbors. I am with you always. Memorials in Eileen's name may be made to HospiceCare Inc. 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711.