Doris Lyons

Doris Providenza Garfi Lyons, 85, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2021, due to congestive heart failure.

Born in 1935 in Manhattan, New York, to Alfred and Josephine Garfi, Doris had a life full of adventures. She and her first husband, Edward T. Lyons, entertained troops throughout Europe for the U.S. Army, performing in theater, which she always remembered as one of the many highlights of her life.

A firm believer in fair and equal education for all, Doris earned her master’s degree from Manhattan College as a remedial reading specialist and spent decades of her life teaching remedial reading throughout the New York City public school system, including impoverished neighborhoods of the Bronx.

Later in life, Doris and her late husband, the Honorable Irving Rosen, dedicated time to helping the needy through Habitat for Humanity and Meals on Wheels, among other established charities. She also actively volunteered much of her retirement years to working with the Association of Riverdale Cooperatives. She loved literature and playing classical piano. She was proud of her Sicilian heritage and enjoyed ice cream, geraniums, and living in the Florida sunshine in her later years.

Doris is survived by her son, Tom Lyons, and daughter-in-law Joan Zacharias, who reside in Tampa, Florida, as well as her daughter, Tarra Lyons, and son-in-law David Miles, residents of Northern California. Doris also was a thoughtful and devoted grandmother to twins Pearson and Fauna Miles, who will sorely miss her.

Doris lived life with vivaciousness and passion, and touched those around her deeply with her infectious zest for life. Her generous spirit will live on.

Donations in Doris Lyons’ memory may be made to The Bronx is Reading, a non-profit that promotes literacy and fosters a love of reading in the community, at https://www.thebronxisreading.com/donate.