LYON, Patricia Territo (Patty), age 72, passed away peacefully on Saturday June 22, 2019, after a long and courageous battle. Born in Passaic, she moved away for several years but lived the last 24 years in Clifton.
Patty was predeceased by her Mother Agnes (Iacovelli), her father, James, and her sister, Karen Smith. She is survived by her sister, Christine Liszner of Clifton, her caring brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Tom and Denise Smith of Clifton, wonderful aunt to nephews, Todd Liszner (Jenn) of Dover NJ, Brett Liszner (Lori) of Clifton and Michael Smith (Brittany) of Chicago, IL, and a fun loving great-aunt to her nieces and nephews, Sara Liszner, Ryan Liszner, Evan Smith and Raina Smith.
Patty graduated from Clifton High School in 1964,Montclair State University in 1968 with a BS in Marketing and Distributive Education and 2 Masters Degrees in School Administration from SUNY New Paltz There was never a doubt that Patty would impact the lives of children. She taught in East Orange High School those students at risk of dropping out, Director of Alternative Programs for youth at risk in Culpepper and Fauquier County VA , Dutchess BOCES NY where she received an Outstanding Program Award from the US Secretary of Education for her Workforce Preparation Program and was responsible for the $22million grants program in the Mount Vernon School District. She loved the classroom and challenged her students every day, not just with what was in their books but what was in their lives and how they could contribute to making a difference in this world. Her passion was bringing them out into the work world and introducing them to businesses to work, to develop their talents in starting a business, designing a dress, learning customer service skills and being accountable.
Patty loved the classroom but her path changed when she became a grants writer. Her exceptional writing skills found her receiving accolades and funding for her many programs
After she left education she continued on her writing path and was a grants writer for Bruno Associates, again being a part of a winning team for funding for school districts in NJ Her heart was always with her children. She was most proud of the grant received for the property soon to be named James Anzaldi Park .The sounds of soccer games and laughter always made her smile especially knowing Ryan was playing on these fields that were so important to her and named for our dear friend Mayor Jim Anzaldi.
Patty impacted so many lives with her quick wit, shoot from the hip attitude, and insatiable sense of humor. She was a great story teller and an even better listener.
Patty was so fortunate to have loving caregivers during her years with health issues. The family would like to thank those who made her quality of life a little better, Dr.Ahmed Mekkawy, Dr.Shareen Hossein, Sister Diane ,Valley Home Care staff ,specifically Nurses Michael and Anna, Physical Therapist Rose, Occupational Therapist Anne and her wonderful caring aides Marie and Teresa.
Some people come into our lives, stay for awhile and leave, others come, stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. Patty, thank you for the penguin footprints. We will miss you Penguin Patty.
Donations in Pat's Memory may be made to her favorite charity, Turn2, Derek Jeter Foundation
215 Park Avenue South, Suite 1905, New York, NY 10003.
The Memorial Service will be 11 AM on Saturday, August 24, 2019 at St. Paul RC Church,
124 Union Avenue, Clifton. The Lyon family is in the care of the Aloia Funeral Home, 180 Harrison Ave., Garfield (973-340-7077) Condolences/Directions visit aloiafuneral.com