Kathleen Lyons

Kathleen Margaret Lyons, RN, BSN, a resident of Alachua County since 1960 died March 4, 2014 after a brief but intense illness. Kathleen was born in Washington, D.C. October 2nd, 1954 where she lived with family until moving to Gainesville. Kathy attended St. Patrick’s Elementary School, Gainesville High School initially and graduated from Bishop Moore in Orlando, Florida where she was also able to work on one of her loves – that of flying. She returned to Gainesville after High School to pursue a program of study at Santa Fe College earning her ASN and then her BSN at the University of Florida. Kathy’s nursing career included many years as an Intensive Care Nurse at the VA and Alachua General Hospitals in both the Medical and Surgical ICU’s. She also worked at Suwannee Medical Personnel, Humana Military TRICARE, Apria and Kimberly Quality Care as a direct patient care nurse, case manager, home health manager, start-up coordinator and eventually managed over 400 employees as a regional director. In addition, she also taught in both didactic and clinical settings for CNA’s, LPN’s and RN’s. She was licensed as an Insurance Agent with the State of Florida and was able to assist her many clients with a unique perspective of health care, assisting them to make good decisions in both fields. Kathy was a “flower child” of the late 60’s and early 70’s and practiced unconditional love for all things living. She had a productive garden of vegetables and flowers where ever she lived and always cared for both cats and dogs at her home as well. She loved children and worked as counselor and swimming instructor at Camp Crystal Lake and Camp Ocala. Kathy also loved the beach and was an avid fan of all things Florida Sports – especially the football team, whether they had a winning season or not. Kathy was preceded in death by her parents Henry and Peg Lyons; she is survived by her siblings Stephen, Susie, Mark and John. A Catholic Mass in Celebration of her life and service will be held at St. Patrick’s Church, 500 NE 16th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601 on Saturday May 3rd at 10am. Kathy requested that in lieu of flowers donations be sent to the parish in order to further the goals of St. Patrick Interparish School.

Kathleen Lyons

October 2, 1954 - March 4, 2014