Carolyn J. Howard Lyons

Carolyn J. Lyons, 85, of Olean, NY, passed away on January 7, 2021. 
Carolyn was born on March 16, 1935, in Olean, NY, to Margaret Turner Howard and Harold D. Howard. She was raised in the country on a small dairy farm outside of Roulette, PA. Carolyn graduated as the valedictorian of the Port Allegany High School Class of '53. She attended Lock Haven College for a year. After deciding that teaching wasn't going to be for her, she began a clerical career, starting at Hi-Q, a Division of Aerovox. She was then employed  by George D.B. Bonbright and Co.,  and worked for this same company, through various name changes, for over 30 years. She retired from what was then called Smith Barney in 2000.
Carolyn was an excellent cook and baker. She was a selfless, generous mother. She never bought a birthday cake; they were always baked at home, and thoughtfully and lovingly decorated. Even though she held a full time job, she spent many hours preparing home baked goods for her children's school parties. Carolyn was also an excellent seamstress.  She sewed many mother daughter matching outfits, doll clothes, and Barbie doll clothes. She would always say that she hated making those tiny clothes. She did it out of love. Carolyn also spent several work nights awake until late, finishing dresses for school concerts the next day. 

Carolyn was an avid reader, gardener, cat lover, and bird watcher. Northern Cardinals were her favorite song bird. She was a member of the Sartwell Creek Union Church, and its church choir. In past years, she had volunteered at the Pfeiffer Nature Center, and delivered Meals on Wheels. 

Carolyn is survived by a daughter, Cynthia Lyons, and a son, Steven Lyons. She is also survived by a brother, Laverne Howard and his wife, Nadene, who was her special sister in law and friend; a brother, Ronald Howard, and several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her adopted cat, Theo. Carolyn was predeceased by both of her parents, a brother, Harold L.Howard, and his son, Timothy Howard. 
Carolyn had requested that there be no visitation. Burial after cremation will be in the Sartwell Creek Cemetery. 
Donations on her behalf can be made to the McKean County SPCA in Bradford, PA. 
They say that when a Cardinal appears, a loved one is near. Be sure to think of Carolyn the next time that you see this beautiful messenger from above.