Carole Sieber Lyons

Carole S. Lyons, 82, beloved wife of James L. Lyons and devoted mother of James M. Lyons, died at her home in Arlington, VA, on April 16, 2023, from a severe lung fungus. She was born on June 28, 1940, in Pittsburgh, PA, the third of six children born to Norbert and Mary Sieber.

After her graduation from Elizabeth Seton Catholic High School, Carole worked at the Hagan Chemicals & Controls, Inc., in Pittsburgh. In early 1964, Carole and her sister Joan moved to Washington, D.C., where Carole worked for the Army Department and later for the Peace Corps under Sargent Shriver. In May 1964, she met her husband-to-be at a Toga Party in Georgetown, and five months later they were married at the Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle.

A few years after the birth of her son in 1967, Carole worked at home providing secretarial, proof-reading and editing services for Kellogg, Williams & Lyons, her husband’s law firm. She later worked as an Administrative Assistant Registrar at the Antonin Scalia Law School, formerly the George Mason University Law School, until her retirement.

Carole was a warm and witty person with a wonderful sense of humor. She was loved by all who knew her. An accomplished wordsmith, Carole enjoyed working a myriad of crossword and other word puzzles. She was an avid fan of New York Times Puzzle Master Will Shortz, and more often than not solved his weekly NPR Sunday morning puzzle. She also was an inveterate punster and received a special mention for her puns in the New York Magazine. Perhaps her favorite word pastime was playing SCRABBLE on the beach in Ocean City, MD, with her husband during their annual vacation, and playing the game with her son after their weekly lunches.

Since she was a child, Carole was a big sports fan. Her allegiance to the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers soon gave way to a love of the Washington Redskins, now Commanders, and the Nationals. She was a yearly participant in the Sieber family’s March Madness pool, and she always had a favorite horse for the Triple Crown races.

A faithful Catholic, Carole taught Sunday School for several years at her Arlington parish, Saint Ann. Later, she served as an usher, as did her husband. Her strong faith enabled her to cope with her recent illness.

In addition to her husband and son, Carole is survived by her sisters Joan Sieber and Georgene Gallo, both from Pittsburgh, PA; her brothers Norbert Sieber, Miami, FL; Timothy Sieber, Newman Lake, WA; six nieces and nephews; and seven great-nieces and great-nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Saint Ann Catholic Church, 5300 North 10th Street, Arlington, VA 22205, followed by a reception in the Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial gifts may be sent to Saint Ann at the above address.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.murphy-funeralhomes.com for the Lyons family.