BERNARD – Elizabeth “Beth” Lyons, of Bernard and Port Hood, Nova Scotia, passed away peacefully Feb. 11, at Mount Desert Island Hospital, Bar Harbor. She was born Jan. 9, 1950, in Sidney, Nova Scotia, the daughter of the late Robert and Catherine (Graham) Oliver of Point Tupper, Nova Scotia. Beth received a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education from St. Francis Xavier University, Nova Scotia; a master’s in education from Antioch New England, New Hampshire; and a Leadership Certificate from the Maine Academy of School Leaders. She was an English teacher in schools in Edmonton, Alberta, and Holyoke, Mass., before teaching at Sumner High School, Sullivan. In 1982, she began teaching English at Mount Desert High School, where she went on to become English department chair and dean of curriculum. She had been formally recognized as a Master Teacher and was a National Board Certified Teacher. Throughout her career as a teacher, Beth was recognized as a caring, passionate and innovative educator who worked closely with her community. Her life’s work was dedicated to making the lives of the students richer and to giving them the knowledge that anything is possible. Her most recent work at Mount Desert Island High School provided the students and teachers with a grand vision of how a school could be. Beth’s energy, dedication and love of the profession was a driving force behind the success of many new programs and possibilities: personal learning plans, community service, graduation portfolios and Senior Exhibition. Her high standards were infectious, motivating staff and students alike; her vision inspired both the Mount Desert Island community and the entire state. Beth loved reading, cooking and entertaining. She will be greatly missed, and fondly remembered by her family, colleagues, former students and many friends. She is survived by her husband, Marty Lyons; son, Daniel, both of Bernard; mother-in-law, Anna Lyons; sister-in-law, Mary and husband, John Doyle, of Holyoke, Mass.; sisters, Carol Oliver of Point Tupper, Nova Scotia, Carmel and husband, Bob Forbrigger, of Ottawa, Ontario, Isabel and husband, Ken den Heyer, of St. Joseph’s, Nova Scotia, Phemie and husband, Norm London, of Willowdale, Ontario, and Monica Oliver of Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia; brother, Graham Oliver and wife, Marji, of Kippens, Newfoundland; many nieces and nephews. Visitations will take place 3-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15, at Jordan-Fernald, 1139 Main St., Mount Desert. A celebration of her life will take place 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, at Mount Desert Island High School, Eagle Lake Road, Bar Harbor. Contributions in Beth’s memory may be made to Harbor House Endowment Fund, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679. Condolences may be expressed online at www.jordanfernald.com.
ELIZABETH CHRISTINE LYONS
