TRENTON, Fla. – Mary Elizabeth Briggs Lyon, 95, passed away Tuesday, March 18, 2008, at Ayers Health & Rehabilitation Center in Trenton, Fla.

Born in West Paris, she moved to Seattle, Wash., at the age of 14 where she continued her education and graduated from Broadway High School and the University of Washington. She began her public school music teaching career in nearby schools, where she taught music theory, history, band and chorus.

She married Herbert Lyon in 1943 and after his service in the U.S. Army, they made their home in Maine. She continued her teaching in Scarborough, Yarmouth and Portland and received a master’s degree from the University of Maine while still teaching. She was active in the Delta Kappa Gamma Society and a member of the Maine Music Educator Association and the National Education Association.

After 31 years of teaching, she retired from the public school system, but continued teaching by giving piano lessons as well as working with the Literacy Volunteer Program. She returned to Bryant Pond, near her home town, with her husband in 1980 to enjoy their retirement in their lake home until 2003 when she moved to Florida.

Mrs. Lyon was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, the American Legion Auxiliary and the Locke Mills Union Church. She enjoyed playing bridge and traveling with her husband. Most of all, she enjoyed helping people who were faced with the many challenges of life. She gave to many right up until her death.

She is survived by her son, George Lyon of Merrimack, N.H.; her daughter, Grace Dixon and husband, Wayne, of Alachua, Fla.; grandchildren, Michael Lyon of California, Andrew Lyon and Jennifer Poirier of New Hampshire, Garth Dixon and Kiel Dixon of Gainesville, Fla., and Craig Dixon of Alachua, Fla.; two great-grandchildren; and two special family members, Shirley Lyon Lundquist of California, and Sharon Lyon of New Hampshire.

She was predeceased by her husband of 60 years; and seven brothers and sisters.