Helen M. Lyons (Harakaly), 98, formerly of Barrington, died peacefully on Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021, at Tockwotton on The Waterfront, surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of the late Robert P. Lyons.

Born in Boonton, N.J., the second youngest of twelve children of the late Stephen and Susan Harakaly, she was a longtime resident of Barrington and lived in Bristol for many years.

She met her husband Bob before the war while working at Pratt and Whitney Aircraft in Conn. Soon after Bob returned from the war, they were married and eventually moved to Rhode Island in 1954.

Helen worked for the RI Arbitration Association for many years. She provided wonderful childhood memories as a loving and dedicated mom while raising her four children. She loved her ’39 Ford convertible while young, later her ’66 GTO, and then her fancy Jaguars in her later years. Helen was known for her fashion style, wonderful smile, and her outgoing and welcoming personality.

Helen was a communicant of St. Luke’s Catholic Church. She enjoyed boating on Narragansett Bay, Newport Beach, traveling, and wintering in Highland Beach, Florida. Above all, she loved spending time with her loving family.  

She is survived by a daughter, Mary L. McLaughlin (James) of Dover, MA; three sons, Robert P. Lyons, Jr. (Heather) of Palm Beach Gardens Fl., S. Dennis Lyons (Paula) of Rehoboth, Mass., and John E. Lyons (Katie) of Barrington, R.I.

She is survived by her eight grandchildren, Steven and Paul Lyons, Julie Cox, Jaclyn Gluek, Kate Mailloux, Alicia Lyons, John, and Victoria Lyons, and nine great-grandchildren. The Lyons family expresses sincere gratitude to her caregivers over the years. 

A private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Luke’s Church, Washington Road, Barrington, followed by a private burial in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. A celebration of Helen’s life will be held later. Calling hours and flowers are respectfully omitted. Contributions in Helen’s memory to American Heart Association would be deeply appreciated. Arrangements are by the W. Raymond Watson Funeral Home, Riverside. For online condolences please visit wrwatsonfuneralhome.com.