Obituary of Velma Jean Lyons

Velma Jean Lyons

Velma “Sis” Jean Lyons (nee Crilly), born March 18, 1935, to Hazel Viola (nee Holmes) and Maurice John Crilly in Rosetown, SK passed away peacefully Friday, December 8, 2023. Mom was predeceased by her husband Robert “Bob”; son Jim; grandson Robbie Lyons; as well as sister Julie Middleton; and brothers Donald “Bud” and Jack Crilly; and son-in-law Dave Franklin. She is survived by her sons Jack (Judy), Don, Bill (Rhonda); daughter Dale Franklin; grandchildren Emily and Colleen, and Katherine (Garth) and Mathew (Brooklyn); and great-granddaughter Lainey.

Velma grew up in the farming community of Sovereign, SK and enjoyed sports from a young age playing hockey, baseball and later on curling and golf. Mom was the ever-dedicated full time mother raising her five children, somehow managing to get us all off to school, music lessons and sporting activities while dad was often working out of town. Upon dad’s retirement they moved to Regina Beach where they became part of the community with mom joining the Ladies Golf Club. She enjoyed the golf and social aspects of this group immensely and even sank a Hole in One to add to her list of accomplishments. Mom loved reading and crosswords and was still beating us all on crosswords right up to the very end.

Nothing was better than Mom’s Sunday dinners and holiday feasts, often catering to a dozen or more family and friends on many occasions. Mom wasn’t happy unless she was hosting big holiday gatherings insisting on doing a 20lb Christmas turkey right into her 80’s. Of course, the holidays were preceded with a few weeks of her baking to fill the freezer. She made it look so easy …

To Mom, family was everything and she shared her boundless love with all. She was always interested in hearing what her grandchildren were doing and that they were safe and healthy. Even in her last days she wanted to hear about how her grandchildren Emily, Colleen, Katherine and Mathew were doing.

Mom lost her little puppy Candy a year ago. Candy was such a loyal constant companion to mom for many years and brought us all many laughs.

Mom, we thank you for your constant love, caring and guidance throughout our lifetimes and will miss you so much. We are at peace knowing you’re in God’s eternal care and no longer in pain. You’ll once again be enjoying the company of Dad, Jim, Robbie and those that have passed on before you, including your little Candy.

Our family wishes to thank Reverend Jim Balfour for his kind words and chats with mom and family.

Thanks also go out to the staff of 5D Pasqua Hospital and Regina Wascana Grace Hospice who provided mom with such very special care in her final days.

For those wishing to make a difference in mom’s name, a donation to one of the following would put a smile on her face.

• Canadian Cancer Society
• Regina Humane Society
• Regina Wascana Grace Hospice

Mom’s ashes were interred at Riverside Cemetery during a private family service.

Thanks Mom.