SOUTHBURY - Julia B. Lyon, 91, of Southbury, died peacefully in the night on Friday, August 6, 2010 at her home at the Watermark at East Hill.
Julia was born in Ansonia, on Oct. 11, 1918, daughter of Charlotte (Pittis) Bassett and Henry Wade Bassett, Jr. She grew up in Derby and was a graduate of Derby High School. She was the youngest and the last to survive of six Bassett children.
She married Erwin (Duke) Lyon in 1942 and they raised their family in Woodbridge, where Julia was active in scouting, the PTA, and as a member of the United Church of Christ. For years she enjoyed a busy career as a real estate agent. The family has fond memories of annual summer vacations spent on Cape Cod. Julia and Duke retired to East Dennis, Mass., where they enjoyed an active and fulfilling life. Julia was the bookkeeper for a consignment shop devoted to raising funds to support cancer treatment at Cape Cod Hospital. Together Julia and Duke did volunteer work for Big Brothers Big Sisters and Meals on Wheels. In 2000, they moved to East Hill Woods (now the Watermark at East Hill) in Southbury, to be closer to family. There they both participated in the life of the community and made many new friends.
Julia is survived by three sons, William and his wife, Adriane, of Cornwall, Ct., Robert and his wife, Julie, of Kensington, Calif., and Charles and his wife, Paula, of Wilmington, N.Y. She is also survived by her daughter, Jennifer Ruggiero and her husband, Joe of Southbury; nine granddaughters, Bethany, Rebecca, Sarah, Juliet, Kamala, Grace, Julia, Christina, and Diana; nine great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Jean Wood of Landsdale, Pa.; and many nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed by all of her family.

Memorials: Contributions in her memory may be made to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cape Cod and the Islands, 1934 Falmouth Road, Centerville, MA 02632.

Cemetery: Cemetery Not Applicable

Location: Munson-Lovetere Southbury

Funeral: Church Not Applicable

Services: The family is planning a memorial celebration to be held at a later date.

Visitation: There are no calling hours.