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IN MEMORY

Joan Boerner (Lyman) - Class Of 1949

Joan Boerner Lyman passed peacefully surrounded by family and dear friends in San Antonio, TX on January 12, 2023.  She was 91 years young.  Even in her later years, Joan was known to say "I do not have time to grow old" and "I have so much life left to live."

Joan was born in Kenosha, WI on December 8, 1931 to George and Rose Boerner.  She graduated from the University of Wisconsin where she met her loving husband John Sheldon Lyman.  After the tragic 1963 loss of John and all others aboard the USS Thresher (SSN 593), Joan moved the family to San Antonio for the support of her two brothers.  Through her resilience, Joan found new passions including her work in Civil Service as a Casualty Counselor and a love of the outdoors, especially Volksmarching, skiing and canoeing.

In 1991, Joan found her second love, Hal Guilford.  Together, they enjoyed traveling the world, including visiting her children and grandchildren wherever they found themselves.  After Hal's death in 2004, she continued seeing the world with her dear travel companion, Phyllis Eagan.

Joan was a devout Catholic and had a strong passion for service.  She served her community through many causes, including the Assistance League, Sierra Club, Majestic Theatre, Cancer Research Center, Red Cross and the Tuberculosis Association.

Joan is survived by her children:  Mike Lyman (Karen), Rob Lyman (Celeste) and Cathy Blake (Terry); honorary son, Dixie Watkins (Elaine); grandchildren:  Charissa Kier, Kevin Blake, Colin Lyman, Jamie DeWald and Corey Lyman; and great-grandchildren Cole, Madison, Sarah and Samantha.

A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00AM on Thursday, January 19, 2023 at The Army Residence Community Chapel, 7400 Crestway Rd., San Antonio.

We wish to express our sincere appreciation for Brooke Army Medical Center and Army Residence Community (ARC) staff who compassionately cared for Joan in her repeated admissions.

Donations in her memory may be made to the ARC Smith Fund (for employee support) where she joyfully lived her last seven years under the watch of the caring employees. Choose "Smith Fund" at https://armyresidence.com/donate or mail to Army Residence Community, Attn: Development, 7400 Crestway Rd., San Antonio, TX 78239.

Published by San Antonio Express-News on January 18, 2023.