Catherine C. Lyon

Catherine Coleen Lyon(Cathy), 81, of Emporium, PA, passed away on January 1, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family in her final moments.

Catherine was born on September 30, 1943, in Cameron County, PA, to James and Ann Williams. A proud graduate of Cameron County High School in 1961, Cathy’s life was marked by her love of people, nature, and animals, as well as her tireless dedication to her family and community.

Her career journey was as diverse as her interests. She began in the field of nursing, then transitioned to work as a veterinary technician in Oklahoma, before finding her calling with the U.S. Postal Service. Cathy worked her way up from a postal carrier to serving as Postmaster in Elko, Nevada, and later in Bradford, PA, where she eventually retired.

Cathy’s passion for animals extended beyond her career. In Nevada, she volunteered with 4-H programs, teaching children about horses, and earned a raptor rehabilitation license. Partnering with the U.S. Forest Service, she rescued and rehabilitated injured birds of prey and other wildlife, ensuring their return to the wild.

Catherine married Pierre Igoa on March 14, 1969, in Elko, Nevada. Together they had two children, Bernard and Elizabeth, before Pierre’s passing from cancer in 1988. On February 17, 1990, Cathy married William (Bill) E. Lyon. The couple enjoyed life on their local farm until Bill’s passing on February 8, 2024.

Cathy’s legacy lives on in her children: step daughter Katrina Wiltrout (William) of Emporium, son Bernard (Jennifer) Igoa of Oregon, and daughter Elizabeth Gartman of Oregon; as well as her nine cherished grandchildren: Austen (Jessica) Igoa, Samantha Dimick, Jordan Gartman, Fallon (Zach) Holloway, Keegan Duby, Bentley Wiltrout, and Wyatt Wiltrout and three great grandchildren Autumn Dimick, Zaedyn Sumstine, Ezra Dimick.

In addition to her parents, Pierre Igoa, and Bill Lyon, she was preceded in death by step daughter Alicia Marie Roberts.

Cathy will be remembered for her boundless compassion, love of the outdoors, and her unwavering devotion to her family and friends. She touched the lives of many and left the world a better place.

Memorial Services will be held Sunday, January, 19, 2025 at 2:00 PM at the Moore Hill Methodist Church with Pastor Kenneth Bailey officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to local wildlife rehabilitation organizations or to the Moore Hill Methodist Church and mailed to 306 S. Spruce St., Empoorium, PA 15834  in Cathy’s honor.

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