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Catherine Ann (Montgomery) Lyons
February 27, 1948 – May 10, 2022
Catherine Lyons (1948-2022)
Catherine Lyons (1948-2022)

Catherine Ann (Montgomery) Lyons


February 27, 1948 – May 10, 2022


Beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and friend, our dear Catherine Ann Lyons passed away peacefully on May 10, 2022, after a long battle with complications from COVID-19.

Catherine was born on February 27, 1948, in Long Beach, California. Her family relocated to Pacific Grove in 1954, after her father’s retirement from the Navy, to be closer to his mother, a longtime resident of PG. Catherine graduated from Pacific Grove High in 1966. After graduation, she worked briefly as a telephone operator for PacBell before becoming a flight attendant for United Airlines. Catharine married Michael McPalmer in 1972. The couple settled in Marin County. She soon switched careers, going to work for Metropolitan Life in San Francisco. They had one child, their son Richard, in 1974.

Catherine continued to work for Met Life until her babysitter reported Richard’s first tooth to her. Not wanting to miss any other “firsts,” she decided to become a stay-at-home mom. Switching gears again, she and Michael separated in 1979, and she relocated with Richard to Tracy. Catherine began to work for Tracy Public Schools as an administrative assistant secretary, where she stayed until her retirement in 2013. She married Guy Lyons on May 21, 1994. They soon settled in Ceres. Catherine died just shy of her 28th wedding anniversary with Guy.

Much loved by all who knew her, Catherine was known for her gentle nature, her patience, her easy laugh, and her beautiful smile. She was an amazing partner, mother and grandmother.

She is survived by her loving husband Guy; her first husband, Michael; her son Richard McPalmer and his wife Caitrin Devine; her step-daughter, Janelle McCarthy and her husband Scott; three grandchildren, Jackson Devine-McPalmer, Franklin Devine-McPalmer, and Jonny McCarthy; four siblings, James Montgomery and his wife Julie, Diane Blokker and her husband Roy, David Montgomery, and Paul Montgomery and his wife Marsha; and numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Catherine was preceded in death by her parents, Richard L. Montgomery and Elizabeth L. Montgomery.

The family is planning a Remembrance and Celebration in the coming months.

Catherine, the world is an emptier place without you in it. You will be greatly missed.


–Ceres (Calif.) Courier

Wednesday, July 13, 2022