Edna A. Lyden

PORTLAND - Edna A. Lyden, 102, formerly of Montreal Street and Peaks Island died peacefully on Tuesday, April 1, 2014 following a long and healthy life. She was born in Portland, Maine on November 15, 1911 the daughter of William H. and Catherine McAleer O'Brion. She attended local schools and graduated from Portland High School in the class of 1930 where she was on the first Field Hockey Team. She furthered her education at the Gorham Normal School. She married William A. Lyden in 1936 in Portland, Maine. Edna was one of fourteen children in her family. As a child she enjoyed spending summers on Long Island, in 1943 she and Bill bought a home on Peaks Island, a home which she has kept her entire life. Edna taught Parochial Elementary School at Cathedral and St. Dominic's for many years. She was a summer communicant of St. Christopher's Church on Peaks Island. She was well known for her famous Easter Egg Hunts and her love of St. Patrick's Day. She was an Aunt, Mother Figure and Matriarch of the family. Edna was a longtime resident of Montreal Street, in Portland, seven years ago she moved in with Dick and Cathy Rand who have given her great love and care over the past several years. The family would also like to extend a special thank you to the Rev. Beau Boyle of the First Baptist Church, Peaks Island and to the Peaks Island Cab Company for all of the great care they gave Edna over the many years. Edna was predeceased by her husband William in 1986, 5 brothers and 8 sisters. She is survived by many loving nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews and beyond. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, April 4, 2014 from 4:00 to 7:00pm at the Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home on Saturday, April 5, 2014 at 8:15am followed by a 9:00am Mass of Christian burial at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street, Portland. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland. Those who wish may make memorial contributions in Edna's memory to: Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception or St. Christopher's Catholic Church, 307 Congress St., Portland, ME 04101Online condolences may be expressed below.