Shirley Ann Lyon-Bentley (Mema) was born in Belvidere N.Y.
on Jan 3rd, 1935. She was the daughter
of Polly and Ernest Lyon, the big sister of William Nathanial Lyon and grew up
with a large extended family, of several generations. She attended the
University of Buffalo and became a registered nurse. After a short time in
Boulder Colorado, she settled in Wellsville and married Dr. Robert Bentley in
1958. They had 4 children; Annette
(deceased), Mary, David (deceased), and Sarah, 4 grandchildren; Jessica,
Julianne, Noel, KaiMei and 5 great grandchildren. Shirley lived in Wellsville
NY, raising her kids, and many others for most of her life. There was always a place at the table, and a
pot of something on the stove, all were welcome. She was a very vocal progressive/activist,
avid reader and notable for her politically charged bumper stickers, her nose
ring and her peace tattoo. Her countless
letters always seemed to come at just the right moment, full of wisdom, love
and a couple dollars. She was a force, a bright, beautiful, proud,
compassionate, woman, who loved deeply and was deeply loved. Shirley was a
devote member of Christ church, Belvidere, and Saint John’s Episcopal
churches. She moved to the McGraw house
in Ithaca NY, in 2016, enjoying frequent visits from family and friends until
her death on the first day of Autumn Sept 22, 2019. She will be missed, truly missed.
A celebration of her
life will be held near her ancestral home in Letchworth State Park, Lower
Falls, pavilion at noon on October 13th. All are
welcome.
