Deborah Ann Lyons

 Lyons, Deborah A. “Debbie” (Wage)

            Newark--Deborah Ann Lyons, 60, of 418 East Avenue, Newark, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 30, 2012 at Newark-Wayne Community Hospital.  Friends may call from 3-7 P.M. on Saturday and Sunday (Sept 1^st and 2^nd) at the Paul L. Murphy & Sons Funeral Home, 127 East Miller Street, Newark.  Father Felix Dalimpuo will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 A.M. on Monday (Sept. 3^rd) at St. Michael Church, S. Main St., Newark.  Burial will be in Newark Cemetery.  

             Memorials, in her name, may be made to St. Michael’s Church, 401 S. Main St., Newark 14513 or the Wayne County Humane Society, 1475 County House Road, Lyons 14489 or a charity of your choice.

            Deborah was born on June 8, 1952 in Newark, N.Y. the daughter of late Robert C. and Thelma J. (Krebbeks) Wage.   She attended parochial school and graduated from Newark High School in 1970.  Attending numerous aerobic workshops and certification programs, Debbie was certified as an aerobics instructor.  She was a Communicant of St. Michael Catholic Church in Newark and San Pablo Catholic Church in the Florida Keys.  She was active in St. Michael Church for many years serving as Eucharistic Minister, was a member of Parish Council, Social Ministry, Women’s Bible Study at Wayne County Jail, Outreach Program, T.I.C., Marian Cenacle, and Monday Rosary Prayer Group for Pro-Life and Rosary Altar Society. 

            She had worked at Coles Department Store in Newark Plaza. Then, she was an aerobics instructor at Thins In and later owned and operated “Get Physical Exercise Co.” and “Get Tan-Fast-ic Tanning Salon.  She was a teacher assistant at “Newark Cooperative Pre-School” and worked as “Program Assistant” at W.A.R.C. Seniors Day Program in Newark. Debbie was a lifetime volunteer since high school, volunteering at Newark Developmental Center, Youth Community Programs on Joseph Avenue, Rochester, with the Sisters of Mercy of the Diocese of Rochester.  She also was an adult volunteer at Newark Central School (Lincoln, Kelly and High School) and Newark-Wayne Community Hospital.  Debbie served on the Board of Directors at “Roosevelt Children’s Center,” in its pioneer years at the “old” Roosevelt School on East Union Street in Newark.  She also served on the Board of Directors at Alex Eligh Community Center. 

            Debbie enjoyed cooking, baking and entertaining, especially celebrating family birthdays.  An avid long-distance runner, for more than 20 years, she averaged 56-84 miles a week.  Her best run was 10 miles in 60 minutes.  She enjoyed her membership at the gym.  She was dedicated to starting each day by praying her beloved rosary and worshipping at daily Mass.  Debbie was devoted to her family and loved each of them, unconditionally, cherishing them as “her most precious gifts from God.”  She loved and enjoyed the companionship of her dogs, Struedel, Buddy and Mishka and strolling with them through the park and neighborhood.  She delighted in decorating her home for the holidays, changing seasons and other special occasions.  The community looked forward to her front porch décor.  Debbie enjoyed art, music and poetry.  She was enchanted by the ocean and beach, and treasured time spent at their sea-side retreat in the Florida Keys.  Debbie’s heart, arms and home were always opened wide to tenderly embrace all, especially those most in need (i.e. “her street angels”) 

            She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Robert Lyons, daughter Kirsten and son Travis, her brother James Wage and wife Mary, a sister Barbara Vincent and husband Bob and several aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews

Remembrances may be made to www.murphyandsonsfuneralhome.com