Ann Simpson Lyon

Ann Simpson Lyon, died peacefully in her sleep Friday, November 16, 2018 at Sunrise of Wilmington. She was 88.

Born in Philadelphia to the late John and Ida Simpson, she was raised in Crafton, Pa., graduating from Crafton High School in 1948. She lived in West Orange, NJ, before moving to Wilmington where she resided in Lynnfield for more than 45 years before joining the Sunrise community. A former employee of Crucible Steel, she later worked as a bookkeeper at Brandywine Sporting Goods in Wilmington, as bookkeeper-office manager at Hamilton Ltd. in Claymont, at the Delaware Art Museum, and she prepared daily meals for the Immaculate Heart of Mary rectory.

Ann was a dedicated volunteer and active member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish. She also volunteered at the A.I. duPont Hospital for Children. Ann loved cooking, entertaining, and along with her dear sister Joan, would create elaborate and fun dining experiences with a first-class flair. The pair would spend evenings pouring over cookbooks to compile dining menus designed with special attention to each course.Ann had a particular fondness for Avalon, NJ where she returned each summer for most of her life.

She was predeceased by George C. Lyon Sr., and son, Bruce Alexander Lyon, both of Wilmington. Also, her siblings, Mary Wood O’Neill Tharp of Vineland, NJ, and John J. Simpson of Oregon.

She is survived by her sons, George C. Lyon Jr., and his wife, Elizabeth of Wilmington, and grandchildren, Alexandra of Charleston, SC, and Michael of Wilmington; and Robert S. Lyon, and his wife, Carmen, and granddaughters, Taylor and Mackenzie, all of St. Simons Island, GA. She is also survived by her sister, Joan Merkel of Wilmington, and a brother, Ralph Simpson of California.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions in Ann’s memory be made to The Mary Campbell Center, 4641 Weldin Road, Wilmington, DE 19803.