Betty J. Lyons

Betty J. Lyons, 87, of Port Charlotte passed away at home on September 11, 2013 . She was born August 23, 1926 in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Michael and Helen Tarsitano. Betty was the proud mother of 5 children, talented artist, gourmet cook and was known by many for her big beautiful smile and loving manner. Betty relocated with her husband Tom to Punta Gorda from Naperville, Il, in 1986, and they became parishioners of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Betty became an integral part of the Visual Arts Center by Chairing Fundraisers, starting the Children's Painting Program, organizing gourmet lunches / dinners with Art Exhibits and displaying her beautiful pictures. Betty carried on her work at the Twin Isles County Club by starting the Flight Bridge Program, and Chairing local artists. Betty loved to paint, play bridge, cook and take care of her husband Tom! Betty will be greatly missed by her son, Michael (Patricia) Lyons; daughters Cathy (Lawrence) Collins and Laurie Lyons, daughter-in-law Debbie Lyons; granddaughters Sara Barron and Amy Collins; great-grandsons Jack and Danny Barron; sister Mercedes Koziol and sister Margie (Dan) Hanley. She was proceeded in death by her husband, Tom, son Jeffrey and sisters Marlene Ricci and Jackie McLean. The family would like to thank caregivers and friends, Robin Krick and Donna Huxstep for the constant love and compassion that helped keep the big beautiful smile on Betty's face and kept her "on the go" over the past few years. Our sincerest thanks also to the dedicated Hospice workers and nurses and Debra Campbell for the help and support the past few weeks. A memorial service in celebration of Betty's life will be Saturday, September 14, 2013 at 11:00 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the National Aphasia Association 350 Seventh Avenue, Suite 902 - New York, NY 10001 * Phone:(800) 922-4622 * naa@aphasia.org. To express condolences please visit www.Ltaylorfuneral.com and sign the online guestbook.