Mae Rose Lyden

POLSON — Mae Rose Lyden, 93, died at her daughter's Polson residence on April 9, 2006. She was born in Butte, on May 21, 1912.

Mae lived in Butte with her husband and two children until 1956, when they moved to Las Vegas, Nevada. She returned to Montana in 1986 to be near her daughter.

Mae was a bright, independent Irishwoman with a great sense of humor and positive attitude. She accepted life's challenges and joys with equanimity. She had no time for maudlin sentimentality; her interests were current events and the future, as well as baseball and pro football.

She was a proud American with a deep sense of gratitude to war veterans. She was loyal without hesitation to her family, friends, and beliefs. There were no trophies, plaques, or awards for her life's work as wife, mother, and homemaker, but she had the reward of providing strength, love, and inspiration to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Mae was preceded in death by her parents, Dennis Joseph Murphy and Kate Harrington Murphy; an infant son, Joseph Michael; her sisters Margaret Murphy Dunphy and Frances Murphy Pool; and her husband of 51 years, Joseph M. Lyden, who died in 1982.

Mae is survived by her brother Dennis Joseph Murphy (Lorrain) of Elko, Nevada; son Harry Lyden (Nancy) of Bullhead City, Ariz.; daughter Alice Lyden Chumrau (Paul) of Missoula; grandsons Tim Lyden of San Diego, Calif., Joseph Lyden Oechsli (Leah) of New York City, and George William Oechsli (Delia) of Eden, Texas; granddaughter Amy Lyden (Mark Lorenzetto) of Sydney, Australia; great-granddaughters Megan Mae Oechsli (Texas) and Symantha Mae Lyden (California); great-grandsons George William Oechsli (Texas); William Joseph Oechsli (New York); Austin and Jacob Lyden (California).

Mae loved young people and believed education should be available to all. She was deeply thankful for the Radio Reading Service that allowed her to continue reading after her eyesight failed. Please honor Mae by making a contribution to the Salish Kootenai College Scholarship Fund (Box 70, Pablo, MT 59855) or the Radio Reading Service (337 Stephens Avenue, Missoula, MT 59801, or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the care of Grogan Funeral Home in Polson. At Mae's request, cremation has taken place. A private family service will be held this summer.

"May you always walk in sunshine

May you never want for more

May Irish angels rest their wings

Right beside your door."