Maureen Burns-Lyons

Maureen Lyons died peacefully on January 24, 2025, in Vancouver at the age of 79. 

She was predeceased by her mother, father and brother in London England. She is survived by her husband, Paul Burns and by sisters-in-law (Julie Soden, Mary Smart, Anne Wiley) and brothers-in-law (Jim Burns, Peter Burns), numerous nieces and nephews-in-law) and her pet cat, “Monster”. Maureen approached life and work with remarkable energy, robust humour and genuine empathy especially for people in difficulty. 

For many years Maureen worked for children in care as a Social Worker and then became a high school counselor and teacher at Little Flower Academy in Vancouver. During many of these years she was active as a volunteer and member of the executive of the Federal Liberal Pary in British Columbia. She was passionately involved on the issue of national unity especially during the first Quebec Referendum in 1995. Maureen celebrated the result with relief, but she also made time to meet Réne Lévesque to thank him for his graceful acceptance of his defeat. 

Mass will be celebrated Saturday 8 February 2025 at 3.00 in St. Mark’s Parish UBC at 5935 Iona Dr. with Fr. Robert Allore as celebrant. The burial will take place on Monday February 10 at 11.00 with Deacon Dileep Athaide officiating in The Gardens of Gethsemani at 15694-32nd in Surrey. 

In lieu of flowers, do an act of kindness for a young person and pat a cat or dog in memory of Maureen.