Obituary
Susan Jay Matheson Lyles, 65, of The Villages, Florida, passed away August 9th, 2020, after an intense battle with colon cancer.
Born in Waterville, Maine, on June 24th, 1955, Sue was the daughter of the late Delbert D. Matheson and Thelma P. Matheson, Sue grew up in Waterville as the third child out of four in her family. In high school, she fell in love with languages and competed on the Spanish debate team. Sue graduated from Waterville High School in 1973 and attended Bucknell University where she graduated in 1977 with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish.
After graduating from Bucknell, Sue moved to Washington, DC to live with her brother and sister-in-law while attending travel school. She worked as a travel agent for two years before joining Airline Tariff Publishing Company in November of 1979 as a Junior Tariff Compiler. After working for ATPCO for thirty-four years, Sue retired as a Product Specialist in 2013.
She married Donald Lyles in 1981, and they lived together in Herndon, Virginia, for thirty years before relocating to The Villages in Florida. Sue is survived by her husband Donald, and her three daughters: Amanda Lyles, of Seoul, South Korea; Jo Lyles Jones and her husband Shane Jones, of Stafford, Virginia; MollyJane Connor and her husband Ethan Connor, of Charleston, South Carolina; and her two grandchildren Raina and Ryder Jones. She is also survived by her mother Thelma of Waterville, Maine; her brother Delbert “Don” Matheson and his wife Jenelle of Fort Collins, Colorado; his sister Jane Matheson of Biddeford, Maine; and her sister Deborah M. Fabian and her husband Mark Fabian of Oak Hill, Virginia. Sue was immensely proud of her family and leaves behind nothing but beautiful memories.
Sue was described by people who knew her as a kind woman with a wonderful heart. She was quick-witted and always blew everyone out of the water while watching Jeopardy. Sue loved returning to Maine, especially in the summer. The lake in Maine with her family was her favorite place to be. She could float in the lake for hours and enjoyed listening to the loons at night. In Florida, she enjoyed many activities including book club, mahjong, trivia night at World of Beer, and especially golf with the Hollywood group.
The family plans to bury her in Mount Comfort Cemetery in Alexandria, Virginia, and also to scatter some of her ashes at her family’s camp on the lake in Maine. A burial ceremony will be planned for next year when all family and friends can safely attend. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that people send memorial donations in Sue’s name to support colon cancer research or to Maine Audubon to preserve Maine’s wildlife and environment.
Jo's baby shower with Sue.
We got to know each other personally. We had so many discussions about our families and forever planning our retirement. I know how much Sue truly loved her entire family. There was such joy when she talked about Don and the girls.
To Don and family, you have my deepest sympathy. I know that this is a difficult time and pray that God will provide you peace and comfort. We are all blessed to have known Sue if only for a short time. God Bless You!
Her heart was always full and her smile was always bright.
I will miss you my dear friend but your heart and your smile will be with me in my soul.
Rest in God's peace,
Robbin
B. Miller
Mathesons in Maine
Shopping trip with 2 of her daughters
Holding her sleeping grandson
Me and mom paused for a selfie while enjoying drinks at Bigelow Brewery.
Respectfully,
Lois Kyle
Four generations at China Lake in Maine. Sue with her mom, daughter Jo, and grandchildren Raina and Ryder
Vintage ATPCO - Ann Lowden, red shirt? Mary Ann Smith?, Sue Lyles
Cowboy hats, long time back - Name?, Sue Lyles, Jimmy Jinks
2005 Holiday Party - John Sheers, Richard Henry, Fred Foote, Sue Lyles
Sue telling stories at Ann Lowden's Holiday Party 2006.
2006 Holiday Party at Ann Lowden's
2007 Holiday Party - Marcy, Sue, Sara, Laura
ATPCO Global Conference 2013_Neil Sue Shelly Aparna Anne George
Don, Deb, Sue and Jane at China Lake
To Don and the girls our deepest sympathy. Sue took us along the journey of you three girls growing up, actually all the way back to pregnancy for Molly. Sue was always talking about you and how proud she was of each of you. Now as wonderful ladies you are the tribute to Sue as a mom and mentor.
Regina Friedman