Joan Marie Lyons

Joan was born on September 18, 1942 in Toledo Ohio to Robert and Marjorie (Golubski) McCaig.

She moved to Dunkirk NY at the age 2 where she spent the rest of her life.

She attended Cardinal Mindszenty High School in Dunkirk NY and graduated from D’Youville College in Buffalo NY with an English degree. In 1965, Joan was married to James Lynn Lyons. Joan and Jim had 3 daughters- Kitty, Betsy and Kimberly.

Joan had a long career, beginning as a teacher. She and her husband Jim owned and managed the Record Trunk in Dunkirk before taking a position with JCPenney where she worked for many years.

After retirement from JCPenney, Joan started Lake District Baskets. Joan taught basket-making lessons, and sold handcrafted baskets, coffee and baked goods at the Fredonia Farmers Market.

Most recently Joan was a member of the Holy Trinity Church and formal volunteer with the Rural Ministry and Literacy Volunteers of Chautauqua County. She was a gifted gardener, fabulous cook, and welcoming host who always opened her house and table available to anyone. Joan also was an avid reader, loved hiking and swimming, traveling, and playing the piano. Her love of animals and especially cats was self-evident as she named her first daughter Kitty.

Joan was a good listener and her presence brought love, wisdom, and joy to those around her. She was a treasured sister, mom, aunt, grandmother, and friend.

She is preceded by her husband James Lyons, sister Judith Kosciewicz and many, beloved pets.

She is survived by her three daughters, three grandchildren (Alexander Crow, Violet Majcher and Casimir Majcher), two sisters (Jean Galafaro and Jacquelyn Sackett), and several well-loved cousins, nieces, and nephews

Calling hours will be on Wednesday December 27 th from 3-6 pm at the McGraw Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at 10 am on Thursday Dec. 28 th at Holy Trinity Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cleveland Clinic, Hospice, or the Chautauqua Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.