1921 - 2012
Jessie passed peacefully in her sleep in the early morning of January 28, 2012 at West Park Manor Personal Care Home where she had resided for the past four years. A grand lady is now at peace.
Jessie was predeceased by her brothers Martin Lyons and his wife Rose of Winnipeg, Philip Lyons of Winnipeg, James Lyons and his wife Margaret of Toronto, sister Nora Jackman and her husband Donald of Toronto, brother-in-law Frank O'Connor of Sydney, B.C. and niece Peggy Ann James of Saint John, N.B.. Surviving are her sister Margaret (Peggy) O'Connor of Sydney, B.C. and sister-in-law Veda Lyons of Winnipeg, plus several nieces and nephews across the country. Although never married, Jessie's commitment and connection to her large family was always an important element of her life. As a “central hub” in the comings and goings of this large community for so many years, she will be dearly missed by us all.
Born to James and Mary (Molly) Lyons on April 22, 1921, Jessie was a child of Winnipeg's west end, attending both St. Edward's School and Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute where she graduated in 1938. She graduated Manitoba Commercial College in 1939, and ultimately prepared for and received the Registered Industrial Accountant (RIA) designation (now known as CMA), one of the first women in Manitoba to have been conferred as such. Her commitment to life-long learning and support of the Management Accounting profession continued throughout her career. She maintained membership in CMA until recently and was a Past President of the Winnipeg Branch.
Jessie had a long and distinguished work career starting with secretarial duties at St. Paul's College, serving as a civilian secretary for the Royal Canadian Air Force during WWII, and bookkeeping duties at Brooks Equipment post-war. She served as Office Manager for Green Blankstein Russell Architects from 1952 to 1962, and completed her career with the Province of Manitoba where she served from 1962 to 1984, retiring from the Treasury Board Secretariat.
Travel, sports and recreation were always big parts of Jessie's life. She was an avid golfer, curler, bowler and swimmer, and was an active member and Past President of Wildewood Country Club since 1961. Several of her friends and colleagues were also businesswomen and fellow club members who shared her recreational pursuits. Jessie had the privilege of travelling extensively with family and friends, and ports of call included major cities in Canada where family members resided, along with more far-flung adventures to Alaska, Portugal, Jamaica, Hawaii, and California. Many of these happy excursions were undertaken with her best friend, Shirley Clubb.
Family and friends will remember the many dinners and social functions Jessie would host. Her home was always a welcoming place that reflected her generosity of spirit, zest for learning and adventure, determined independence and wonderfully dry sense of humour. Because she was generous with her life, she set an example that those she leaves behind can follow. Therefore, it would be fitting for us all to do something kind for someone else in tribute to her memory.
Special thanks to the staff at West Park Manor who provided such wonderful care and companionship to Jessie over the last four years. We know you will remember her “character”.
At Jessie's request, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd. on Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 2:00 p.m., Msgr. Michael Moore officiating. Interment of ashes with her mother and father at St. Mary's Cemetery will take place at a later date.
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