After hearing of the death of this cousin, I was wanting to find more information about her, so I looked up her obituary.Cleo Lyman died on December 8, 2008 in Nephi, Utah. Cleo was the forth child born to Melvin Anderson Lyman and Laura Pearl Bronson Lyman on August 10, 1954 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Our sister Cleo was born with severe Down's Syndrome. She was developmentally delayed physically as well as mentally and at three years old she was still only scooting on the floor. Melvin and Laura consulted the experts and they were told the best way for Cleo to learn and grow would be to go to the State Training school for developmentally disabled individuals in American Fork. It was a huge change for everyone but after Cleo adjusted she was very happy and seemed to like it there even better than at home. She was missed by her family, but was always thrilled to see people that she loved. She loved everyone equally and saw no rank. She was very easily consoled. If she was sad or crying about something she was easily comforted would be content very quickly.
Cleo didn't even graduate from kindergarten. The only skill she ever mastered academically was writing her name. But she was a master at loving those around her. Those who cared for Cleo felt of her unconditional love for people and her strength of spirit. She always did her happy best, with her whole heart, whether it was marching in a talent show, or singing Christmas songs in June. Cleo had a great capacity to love. Care givers told us, whenever a fellow Down's patient had a birthday, if no family would show up to help celebrate, she would put her arms around them and say "happy birthday, happy birthday", as they cried together. When she would give a simple family prayer, she would ask Heavenly Father to bless each one of us by name. When she got to the names of those not present, her voice would break with emotion. Cleo had a great love for music. The best way to communicate with Cleo was by singing with her. She had a great love for her family. Cleo would repeat each name with conviction when the names of family members were spoken to her. She loved her friends and was a true, loyal companion. She gave hugs and laughter freely.
After leaving the State Developmental Center in American Fork, our family was blessed to have Cleo in our homes for extended periods of time. She also lived in a care center in Lindon and was later moved to Richfield where she spent many happy years in the loving care of the staff at the Bethphage group home. She loved participating in the Special Olympics and worked at the local theater with other group home members. Among her many friends was one very special one. Jackie was the innocent love of her life. They shared a special bond of friendship that was unique and beautiful. Cleo came to Nephi in 2001 to live in the Mosaic group home and for the last six years of her life was well cared for by the staff at Heritage Hills. Our family wishes to give a special "thank you" to all of Cleo's care givers who lovingly attended to her needs.
Cleo is survived by her sisters, brothers, stepsisters and stepbrothers: Kathleen Lyman Bailey (Doug); Sandra Lyman Olsen (Russ); Leon Benjamin Lyman (Lori); Matthew Mason Lyman (Kayleen); Robin Andrew Lyman (Laurel); Laura "Lollie" Lyman Debenham (Doug); Elizabeth Lyman Reinhard (John); Samuel Lorenzo "Ren" Lyman (Holly); Mary Eleanor Lyman Button (Jeremy); Luke Ammon Lyman; Kim Elizabeth Villani; Kristina Marie Villani Beal (Eric); Richard Paul Villani and John Michael Villani (Betty). She was preceeded in death by her parents: Melvin Anderson Lyman, Laura Pearl Bronson; her stepmother: Paula Marie Lyman; a sister: LaRene Lyman and brothers: Alma Lynn Lyman and Edmund Ray Cornpeach.
Cleo was adored by all of her nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law. Our precious Cleo brought joy to everyone who knew her. She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 18, 2008 at 11 am at the Nephi North Stake Center, 1125 N 400 E, Nephi. Friends may call Thursday morning at the church, 9:30-10:40 am. Burial will be at 2:30 in the Delta Cemetery under the direction of Nickle Mortuary.
3 comments:
Thank-you for posting this Malauna. I always heard about Cleo from Sandy but never got to meet her. I'm glad to have learned all this about her.
I met Cleo at a family reunion once. She was sweet, loving and accepting of everyone, even those she was meeting for the first time. When I told her I was her cousin, she gave me a bear hug. It was very sweet.
So sweet. I wish I'd known her. Thanks for sharing that obituary with us Malauna.
Post a Comment