Date of Birth:
Tuesday, July 21, 1925
Date of Death:
Monday, April 7, 2014
Age:
88 years old

Elizabeth Jean Lyman

A Celebration of Life for Elizabeth Jean Lyman will be at 11:00am Monday June 30, 2014 at River Park Chapel, Macken Funeral Home in Rochester officiated by her son, Rev. Dave Lyman.  Friends may call one hour prior to the service.

Elizabeth Jean Lyman released her physical body and moved on to her next journey Monday, April 7, 2014, in Rochester, and a bright light left the planet. She had many friends and was known for her optimism about life.

Bette, as she was nicknamed, was born July 21, 1925, in Rochester, and immediately started to shine. An elementary school teacher’s report sent home said, “Bette is very social and spends a little too much time talking with her friends.” She never stopped that process of talking with friends.

Bette was preceded in death by her ex-husband, Lemon Lyman, with whom she shared adventures throughout the world; and by her brothers, Larry and Richard Madden.

She moved back to Rochester in 1974 and partnered with Sis Guzinski to open “Fashion Affair” dress shop. Bette used to say they had no customers, only friends who needed things to wear.

Winnie the Pooh once said, “What day is it?” “It’s today,” squeaked Piglet. “My favorite day, said Pooh.” It was always Bette’s favorite day.

Bette is survived by her strength and support Gus Guzinski (Rochester); her sister, Camille Southerland of Florida; her sons and daughters, Dave (son) and Rachel Lyman (Carmichael, Calif.); Michael (son) and Mary Lyman (Shakopee); and Janet (daughter) and Hank Siegel (Hoover, Ala.); and her grandchildren, Samuel and Alexandra Siegel and Josephine and Elizabeth Lyman.

Bette saw the light in the midst of the darkness and we are all better for having her in our lives. We will miss her love of: old movies, wonderful fashion, good conversation, mystery books, Snickers candy bars, and of course her cigarettes…….we love you Bette. Godspeed…….

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Rochester Public Library Foundation in her name.