Kathryn R Lyons

Kathryn Roche Lyons, 87, passed away on July 23, 2026, at The Terraces in Bonita Springs, Florida. Born April 3, 1939, in Waterbury, Connecticut, Kathie was the daughter of the late Mary and Edward Roche. She lived a joyful life filled with laughter, hospitality, creativity, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. Kathie graduated from The Ohio State University, where she met the love of her life, Michael Lyons. They shared 65 wonderful years of marriage, and he affectionately called her “The Kakaroo.” She was a devoted mother to John (Judy), Patricia (Patrick), and Michael (Kristina), and a treasured mother-in-law to their spouses. She was the proud grandmother of eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her immeasurable joy. After several moves throughout Ohio, Kathie and her family settled in the country outside Lewis Center, creating a home that became a gathering place for family and friends. She embraced country living through gardening, canning, cooking, and entertaining. Friends spent summer days swimming and fishing, winters ice skating, and everyone knew they would find pizza, ice cream, and beer waiting in her refrigerator. While she never had much interest in four-legged pets, she loved her flock of ducks and cherished their eggs for craft projects and delicious desserts. Kathie spent many years shaping young minds as a beloved second-grade teacher at Saint Mary’s School in Delaware, Ohio. After moving to Barrington, Illinois, in 1983, she continued her teaching career at Roslyn Road Elementary School. Her patience, warmth, and good humor left a lasting impression on generations of students. Quick-witted and always ready with a one-liner, Kathie was the life of every gathering. She loved opening her home to family and friends and was just as happy attending celebrations hosted by others. Her annual Christmas party was legendary, complete with countless homemade cookies, candies, and buckeyes. Her St. Patrick’s Day celebrations were equally beloved, featuring her famous corned beef and a house filled with laughter. Kathie was happiest whenever she was surrounded by those she loved. With a slightly competitive nature, Kathie was a champion ping-pong player, often underestimated for her table skills and signature spin. She was also an accomplished bowler who led her league in scoring. She rarely missed a good game of Mahjong with friends and delighted in playing Uno, Dominoes, and Bananagrams with her grandchildren. Creativity was woven into every part of Kathie’s life. She found joy in crafting, painting, sewing, candy making, and cooking. She had a remarkable eye for detail and never shied away from learning a new skill or tackling an ambitious project. Friends and family could always count on something thoughtfully handmade: a carefully sewn outfit, a beautifully wrapped box of homemade candy, a painted keepsake, or a gift created especially for them. An exceptional cook, she was remembered especially for her famous Kakaroo Cookies and Veal Katrina, both lovingly named in her honor. Upon retiring in 1989, Mike and Kathie moved to Bonita Springs, where they spent more than 30 years enjoying an active life in the Sunshine State. A lifelong seamstress, Kathie created a second career with “Sew Special,” designing baby clothes and beautiful lace garments sold far and wide. Retirement also allowed her to pursue golf, and she proudly scored a hole in one at Bonita Bay Club. Her son-in-law nicknamed her “The Babe,” playfully comparing her skills to those of the great Babe Zaharias. Kathie’s greatest legacy lives on in the family she adored, the friends she welcomed so generously, and the countless lives she touched with her kindness. Our tables will never be quite as full, our holidays never quite as lively, and our hearts will always miss the laughter she brought wherever she went. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to The Terraces at Bonita Springs Scholarship Fund. Please designate the Scholarship Fund when making your gift: https://www.actsretirement.org/acts-legacy-foundation/acts-legacy-foundation-ways-to-give/support-acts-legacy-foundation. A memorial service will be held at The Terraces in Bonita Springs at a later date. To sign her guest register or to leave online condolences please visit www.shikanyfuneralhome.com. Shikany's bonita Funeral home is handling arrangements Family Owned and Operated Since 1978

Kathryn R Lyons

April 3, 1939 - July 23, 2026