White River Junction, VT – Mary L Lyman, 88, died on Sunday, December 4, 2022, in Lebanon, NH.
She was born on July 24, 1934, in Gloversville, NY to Rev. Milton M. and Ruth H. (Loucks) Lavery and as the daughter of a Methodist Pastor, the family moved often, settling in White River Junction in 1951. She met her future husband, Harris C. Lyman, while they both attended Hartford High School, but it wasn’t until they both went to college in Boston that she finally accepted his requests for a date.
She graduated Wheelock College with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education in May of 1957, and they were married on June 22, 1957, in Corinth, NY. Soon after, Harris built their home on Albert Street where they spent nearly all 65 years of marriage together.
Initially she taught school in Norwich, but after a few years, chose to focus on family. She loved being a mother and encouraged her children to be independent, smart, and joyful. Family holiday traditions of homemade gifts and lovely dinners grew and spanned generations in their home. She was also the de facto family keeper of knowledge, recalling anyone and everyone in the family’s birth, death, or special event information and dates.
She was a talented seamstress, offering alterations and bridal design both out of the family home and also in a bridal shop for many years. She also brought her talents to her other great love, her community at the White River Methodist Church. She was an active member of the Church from the time that her father led the ministry there while she was in high school, serving on nearly every board and committee there through the years.
Her family recalls that she enjoyed her time sewing costumes, vestments, altar cloths, and other decorations, along with helping at the many turkey suppers.
Mary is survived by her husband of 65 years, Harris C. Lyman of Lebanon, NH; four children Joanne L. Jordan and husband Paul E. of Claremont, NH; Peter J. Lyman and wife Sharon P. of Canaan, NH; Gail Lyman of Tilton, NH; and Virginia L. Best and husband Todd F. of Concord, NH; one brother Rev. Dr. James Lavery of Ballston Spa, NY; eleven grandchildren Aaron, Andrew, Ryan, Austin, Sawyer, Serena, Christopher, Evan, Emma, Elise, and Evangeline; seven great grandchildren Mason, Mara, Tristian, Juliannah, Maryannah, Casey, and Nola; other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother John Lavery.
A visitation was held from 3 until time of service at 4 pm on Saturday, December 10, 2022, at Knight Funeral Home, White River Junction, VT. Memorial donations are appreciated to the Upper Valley Humane Society in Enfield.
