Doreen Jean (Masinda) Lyon

Doreen J. Lyon, devoted wife, mother, and friend, died peacefully at home in Willington on June 27, 2018.   The ever-thickening fog of Alzheimer’s disease enveloped her final decade.  She was born August 17, 1954 in Stafford Springs, the daughter of the late Emil and Rita (Caisse) Masinda.  Doreen grew up on the Masinda family homestead in Willington and graduated from Windham High School in 1972.   With an urge to explore, she entered the workforce as a travel agent.  She met career Marine Corps officer Bruce Lyon in her East Hartford travel agency in 1974, and they were married in Saint Philip the Apostle Church in Ashford on December 27, 1975.  A dedicated military spouse, she was always ready and willing to move to their next duty station.  Doreen and her family lived in both northern and southern California; Okinawa, Japan; Virginia; and Illinois.  Upon completion of her husband’s active duty in 1988, they returned to Willington and built a new home on the Masinda homestead.  Doreen used her creative talents to help design and build her home, as well as crafts and jewelry.  She made many lives better through her quiet generosity and desire to help others. Left to mourn are her loving husband Bruce, daughter Emily and her husband Ian Schlein, and son Carl.  Also surviving are Doreen’s sister Maureen Gantick, her brother Mark Masinda and wife Shari, and their families.  Doreen’s family is especially grateful to her good friend Weesie Bray, and live-in caregivers Sherie Ewers and Sandra Ross, both of whom compassionately and tenderly watched over Doreen in her final year.  There are no calling hours.  Her Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00am on Thursday July 5, 2018 at St. Philip Apostle Church, 64 Pompey Hollow Rd., Ashford, CT 06278.  Burial will be held at a later date.  For an online memorial guestbook please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com.

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