Nancy Ruth Lyon

Nancy Lyon spent a lifetime helping others. The lives she touched is a legacy that will live far beyond her death on April 13th.

Born and raised in Lancaster, she was the daughter of John and Adele Lyon and loving sister of Jack, Burt, and Jim Lyon. The family operated Lyon's Market.

A graduate of Lancaster Central High in 1962, Nancy was a proud member of O.E.L. She graduated from Deaconess Nursing School in 1964 and dedicated 50 years of her life to being a nurse. Most of her career was spent as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at the Robert Warner Rehabilitation Center. She co-authored more than ten peer-reviewed journal articles and travelled the country and internationally, giving training on the developmental tools she helped create. In 2006, she was honored with Kaleida Health's nurse of the year award.

In addition to her career, she ran an ice cream, craft, floral, and catering business in Lancaster called Aunt Nancy's. To many, she is still lovingly referred to as Aunt Nance.

Nancy was a dedicated mother to her three boys and never let them leave the house without a hot breakfast, a pressed shirt, and the confidence that comes with knowing they were loved unconditionally. They know her love was unconditional because they tested the boundaries.

Nancy is survived by her sons Michael (Linda), Jack (Kristie), and Paul (Amy) Catanzaro, her former husband and dear friend Mike Catanzaro, Sr., and many loving nieces and nephews.

Nancy's seven grandchildren Nicole, Tucker, Arlo, John, Luke, Eli, and Adella were the center of her universe.  They served as the Board of Directors for her summer home, Loon Lodge.  Her love, support, and just the right amount of spoiling provided them with the necessary foundation for happy and successful lives.

Nancy was a woman of tremendous faith. Her faith not only helped her through the trials of life, but gave her an intense drive to care for others.

Our family is eternally grateful to our cousin Mary Lou Sellers who provided unwavering love and care for our mother for many years.

Calling hours at Wendel & Loecher Inc. Funeral  Home in Lancaster will be 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 24. A memorial service will be held on April 25 at 10:30 a.m. at Clarence Presbyterian Church, 9675 Main St, Clarence, NY.  Lunch in celebration of her life will be served at the Elks Lodge in Lancaster at noon, 33 Legion Pkwy, Lancaster, NY.

In honor of Nancy's life-long commitment to wearing red, white, and blue and the pleasure she took in dressing her boys in matching plaid outfits of these colors, we ask those attending the memorial service to wear red, white, and blue.

People are encouraged to make a donation in her name to the Robert Warner Rehabilitation Center to carry on her legacy of helping children: Children's Hospital of Buffalo Foundation, 1028 Main St., 4th Floor, Buffalo, NY 14202. Share condolences at wendelandloecherinc.com