Carmella Susan 'Matassa' Lyons Obituary (1935

LONG LAKE- Carmella Susan Lyons, 74, of Long Lake passed away, May 19, 2010 at Glens Falls Hospital following a long illness. Carmella was diagnosed with Sarcoma cancer four months ago. She was born November 27, 1935 in Long Branch, NJ, the daughter of Frank and Sarah Matassa. She was raised in Highlands, NJ and graduated high school in 1954. On August 5, 1956 she married Arthur Lyons. They resided in Rumson, NJ where Carmella was employed by her cousin Joe Azzolina at Food Circus supermarkets as accounts payable department manager. In 1973, they relocated to Twin Mountain, NH and owned and cultivated the Lyons Restaurant and Motel which they operated for 14 years. They went on to in Long Lake, NY in 1988 and operated Sandy Point motel for the past 23 years. Carmella was active in her community, she volunteered as a Girl Scout Leader, active in Catholic Charities and always gave a helping hand to someone in need. She loved to dance, enjoyed food and dining out with her husband. Her passion for music inspired her daughter Cathy to pursue an interest in singing. Carmella had a great sense of humor and a strong feisty will. She was a savvy businesswoman with an entrepreneur spirit, her dedication and perseverance never let obstacles get in her way. Over the years, she had befriended many a customer. Carmella woke up in the morning with a song in her heart and determination in her step. All of her life, she had a love for basketball and could out talk any man with basketball stats. She is survived by her husband Arthur of 53 years, one daughter Cathy Lyons of Albany. Two sisters; Edith Phipps of Marleton, NJ and Ann Curley of Little Silver, NJ. She was pre-deceased by one sister Rose Layton of Middleton, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Saturday, May 22 at 2pm at St. Henry's church in Long Lake, NY. Burial will follow in the Long Lake Cemetery. As a family, Art and Cathy 's love runs deep for the loss of Carmella. The family would like to express a very special thanks to her friends Carol Turner and Nadine Jennings , Shirley Ledergerber, Barbara and Tom Slater, the community of Long Lake with many gifts of meals, thoughts and prayers. A dear thankyou to Edith Smith who offered so many times to help us in so many ways. A dearest thankyou and appreciation to Debra Jones and Russ Defonce with their support, friendship, love and generosity during these hard days. A special thankyou to the Howe family, Carl Turner and Virginia Jennings for all their efforts, support and kindness. Those wishing to remember Carmella are asked to consider the Long Lake Volunteer Rescue Squad in care of the Stuart-Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Tupper Lake. Online condolences may be made at www.stuartfortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.