Helen Roberta (Brockel) Lyon, 62, of Middlebury, New York, passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 25, 2018, at Highland Hospital in Rochester, New York after suffering a lengthy illness. She was surrounded by her loving husband and son, listening to some of her favorite music. Helen was born on February, 17th, 1956, the daughter of the late Robert H. and Nellie (Cross) Brockel of Warsaw, New York.
She is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Kenneth “Kat” Lyon of Middlebury; along with her son, Thomas (Claire) Lyon of LeRoy, and many other loving family and friends.
In addition to managing several retail outlets during her lifetime, Helen’s talent and commitment to music was unparalleled. She attributed her early passion for music to her high school music teacher, the late E. John Christopher, of Wyoming, New York. Helen was a marching member of the TriTown Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps in the 1970s, where she played the Mellophone. Watching live drum corps rehearsals and performances became one of her favorite past-times. Helen was a highly-skilled pianist and a sought-after music critic, often judging talent contests both locally and nationally. Mrs. Lyon had the occasion to meet with many talented artists, including Stevie Ray Vaughan, Alice Cooper, Rick Wakeman, David Byrne, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, and many other music legends, including David Bowie, whose late biography mentions her by name. Helen leaves behind a long list of musical friends who have benefited from her abilities and education, and an even longer list of friends and family who have experienced her love, kindness, and guidance. She will truly be missed.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Highland Hospital for allowing Helen to pass peacefully and for their unquestionable dedication to her care and comfort over the last year.
A Celebration of Helen’s Life will be held at Robinson & Hackemer Funeral Home, 246 N. Main St., Warsaw on Monday, October 8th at 7PM. Online condolences at www.robinsonandhackemer.com
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made either to the family, or to the Truth Initiative, a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring tobacco-free lives. www.truthinitiative.org.
