MILLINOCKET – A kind, loving heart is at rest, a soft gentle soul at peace. Gladys M. Lyons, 98, wife of the late Archibald Lyons, most precious and beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, died peacefully at Katahdin Nursing Home, Dec. 6, 2005. She was born Sept. 17, 1907, in Millinocket, the youngest child of Sarah (Pelkey) York and William “Dyke” York. She was baptized Mary Gladys but was always affectionately known as “Gladie” or “Auntie” by relatives and friends. She was a homemaker most of her life and after the death of her beloved husband in 1962, she was employed at the Millinocket Community Hospital and retired from there. She was an active member of the AARP and the Plus & Minus Club. She was a life member of Onawa Chapter No. 130 O.E.S. and Rebekah Lodge No. 78 of Houlton. She loved living in Pamola Park and took pride in her flowers and trees. She possessed a deep devotion and love for her family and gave unselfishly and endlessly to her children. She derived great pride and joy from and with her family. She will be remembered for her wonderful cooking and her beautiful handy work. Surviving are her daughter, Gloria Leighton of Glenburn; her son, Keith and his wife, Sandra Lyons, of Millinocket; her grandchildren, Glenna Burleigh and her husband, Glenn, of Glenburn, Randy Leighton and his wife, Aimee, of Glenburn, Deanna Stout and fiance, Dennis Robinson, of Glenburn, Paula Pelletier and her husband, Donald, of West Seboeis and Keith Jr. of Orono. Also surviving are seven great-grandchildren who were her joy, Glenn III “G.T.”, Joshua and Angela Burleigh, Jacob and Desiree Leighton, all of Glenburn, Shawn of Sierra Vista, Ariz., Ryan Cyr of Westbrook; a sister-in-law, Gertrude York of Millinocket, several nieces and nephews. She also leaves special friends, Suzanne Levielle of Millinocket and Bertha Mahon and her husband, Bill, of Bangor, who loved and cared for her while she was in Bangor. She was predeceased by her husband, Archie in April of 1962; two infant sons, Donald and Wayne; her sister, Flora Boone; her brother, Darrah York; a grandson, Frank Jr.; and her son-in-law, Frank Leighton. “A mother is the thread which holds a family close together. She is the fabric of our beginning, weaving threads of kindness, stitching us together with laughter and understanding. She binds our hearts with fond memories and blankets us with love.” Friends may call 1-3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, at R.L. Bouchard Funeral Home, 11 Tamarack St., Millinocket, where funeral services will be held 3 p.m. If friends wish, memorial contributions may be made to the Katahdin Area Support Group, 10 Field St., Millinocket, ME 04462. To leave condolences online, please go to www.bouchardfh.com.
GLADYS M. LYONS
