Frances Lyons, 102
PORTLAND – Frances Lyons, 102, passed away peacefully at her residence at Sedgewood Common in Falmouth. Born June 15, 1914, in Ludvipol, Poland to Jacob and Hannah Finkelman, she was one of four children who emigrated to Havana, Cuba with their mother when they were teenagers. They were unable to come to the U.S. because of a government quota limiting the entry of Jewish immigrants. At age 16, she met and married Joseph Lyons who was also from Poland. Because they were poor, they borrowed wedding clothes so they could have a photo taken of them sent back to relatives in Poland. Their daughter, Julie, was born in Havana in 1933. When Julie was four, they came to America, settling in Lynn, Mass., where Joseph worked in his uncle’s shoe factory. However, soon after they moved to Portland. Frances worked at Rice’s Bakery in a section of Portland on Middle St. where many Jewish merchants had shops. Joseph, who worked at his uncle’s shoe factory in Bayside, passed away in 1983.
Despite her limited education, Frances spoke seven languages and served as an interpreter to new arrivals. She was active in many civic organizations and was a congregant of Shaarey Tphiloh Synagogue, where she was president of Sisterhood. For many years she worked at Bernie’s Fashions in downtown Portland. She loved music- especially Cuban music- and was a great dancer. She worked most of her life and took care of her family. Her mother came to live here for the rest of her life.
She was predeceased by her siblings, Clara, Saul, Sam and Miriam. She is survived by her daughters Julie Lyons, Julie’s sons Bruce Abramson and his wife Stephanie of Cape Elizabeth, their children Bethany Abramson and her children Sydney and Brennan; Michael Abramson and his wife Karen of Boston; Marc Abramson of W. Palm Beach, Fla.; David Abramson and his wife Lynn of South Portland, their children Alexandra and Drew.Her daughter Annette Elowitch and her husband, Robert of Portland and their children, Jennifer Elowitch and her husband, Douglas, their children Nathaniel, Marni and Jonah of Natick, Mass.; their son Sam Elowitch and his wife, Leah, of Rockville, Md. and their children Henry and Fanya.
The family is grateful to Park Danforth for the excellent care she received in the many years she lived there. For several years, Frances led her own exercise class memorialized by a lovely piece by Kim Block on Channel 13.
Frances and her family were extremely close to their extended Cuban family living in Miami who have given much advice about comfort food to feed their beloved aunt. Thanks also to Sedgewood Common where she lived most recently and for their loving care. Thanks also to Compassus Hospice for their love and support.
Arrangements are by Portland Jewish Funeral Home.
A funeral will be held at Temple Beth El, 400 Deering Ave. in Portland on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 11 a.m., with interment following the service at Temple Beth El Memorial Park. Shiva will be observed at the home of Annette and Robert Elowitch, 401 Cumberland Ave. Apt. 909 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday nights.
Contributions in her memory
made be made to:
Jewish Community Alliance
57 Ashmont St.
Portland, ME 04103