534 Juanita Lyman - Say not in grief that she is no more, but say in thankfulness that she was.
Day 534 Wednesday, September 1st, 2021
"Say not in grief that she is no more, but say in thankfulness that she was." —Tagore
Steve Lyman would like to remember his mom Juanita to all of the Emmaus Community and to her family and friends beyond Emmaus.
Steve writes: I just wanted to let everyone know my mom, Juanita Lyman, passed on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at 7 pm. Many of her children and one grandchild were surrounding her with love and affection. She was comfortable and died peacefully.
Steve would also like to announce a Mass celebrating Juanita's life which will be held September 11, 2021, at 11:00 AM
at Holy Spirit Catholic Church
1244 St. Francis Rd. Santa Rosa, CA 95409.
Juanita Lyman
May 8, 1928 - July 21, 2021
Juanita M. Lyman passed away peacefully at home at the age of 93 with family by her side. Born in Pima, Arizona, the daughter of Florence Lyon Swartz and Estil Swartz, her parents divorced when she was small. Juanita and her mother moved to Highland Park in Los Angeles where her mother worked as a nurse.
In 1935 Florence married Charles Whiteley, a friend from her Colorado childhood. Two years later they had a daughter, Dorothy, who was the light of young Juanita's life. At fifteen Juanita began waitressing in Lake County where the family spent their summers, and where Charles owned a sawmill.
It was here, in 1943, she met Vernon "Frank" Lyman. Frank joined the Navy in 1944 was assigned to Mare Island and worked as a ship fitter. They married in 1946, three days after Juanita's eighteenth birthday.
In Santa Rosa, Frank worked for Petaluma Cooperative Creamery (Clover Milk). Juanita tended children, home and garden until most of the children were grown. She then found fulfillment as a teacher's aide in the Rincon Valley School District. Juanita enjoyed hosting huge family gatherings, summer barbecues, camping and waterskiing at Clear Lake with husband, kids and grandkids.
(Juanita's 90th Birthday)
She found happiness planting and harvesting flowers, fruits and vegetables from her large garden. She and Frank also traveled throughout California, the United States and Asia. In 1995 Frank suffered a stroke which slowed him down but didn't prevent him from traveling to Europe where he and Juanita met and were blessed by Pope John Paul II. Juanita and Frank were devout Catholics and volunteered for many, many years at The St. Vincent de Paul Dining Room. They were active parishioners at St. Rose Catholic Church and later at Holy Spirit where they made new and cherished friends.
They were together for 63 years until Frank passed away at the age of 89. Juanita continued on—as a strong, independent and positive force for her family, friends and faith. A devoted parishioner at Holy Spirit for over 50 years she continued being active in Women's Club and was named Holy Spirit Woman of the year in 2012. She became a Eucharistic Minister and found great joy in taking the Sacrament to the ill and housebound.
Juanita was preceded in death by her loving husband, Vernon Frank Lyman, who passed away in 2009. Also preceded in death by their infant daughter, Laurie Ann Lyman, who died in 1963 soon after birth.
Juanita is survived by seven children: Claudia Lyman (Alan Gruber), Lynn Trombetta (Mark), Steven Lyman (Shannon), Rose Robertson (Cliff), Larry Lyman (Maria), Robert Lyman (Tina Moore), and Michelle Lyman. She is survived by 16 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren, as well as her beloved sister, Dorothy Ratto, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Juanita was extremely proud of each of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; she created memorable relationships with all who came within her sphere; she will be greatly missed.
A Must See:
Link to Juanita's video celebrating her 90th Birthday!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LFmftVRJqtNsjK7oPEs9Z0txcTDlZzuz/view?usp=sharing
"Say not in grief that she is no more, but say in thankfulness
that she was." —Tagore
In lieu of flowers donations in Juanita's name may be made to Memorial Hospice, 439 College Ave., Santa Rosa, CA 95401 or DSANB (Down Syndrome Association of the North Bay) at dsanb.org or 1275 4th St., #121, Santa Rosa, CA 95404