Amy Jean (Wheaton) Lyman passed away at her home on the Old Mission Peninsula, surrounded by family on October 28, 2021. She persevered to overcome complications from her years long battle with Multiple Myeloma to enjoy last summer at her home and visits with family and friends. Amy’s spirit and memory survive in her husband of 47 years, Brad, their sons and daughters-in-law, Brian (Lisa) of Annapolis, MD, and Jeremy (Lindsey) of Burtonsville, MD, five grandchildren (Alex, Lindsay, Evan, Owen & Carter) as well as her sisters Nancy DeYoung and Barbara Scott.
Amy was born the third daughter of Marjorie and Ralph Wheaton in Torrington, Connecticut in 1952. When she was a child the Wheaton family moved to Portage, Michigan, where Amy graduated with honors from Portage Public Schools. At Western Michigan University she earned her bachelor’s degree (Magna Cum Laude), but more importantly Amy and Brad met and fell in love. They were married in 1974 and shared a weekend honeymoon in Traverse City where they first laid eyes on the Old Mission Peninsula. Amy taught in the Portage Public Schools while Brad finished his master’s degree. When Brad was offered a teaching position at Baltimore City Community College, Amy took a position as a health educator with the American Lung Association in Maryland. Their east coast adventure lasted 39 wonderful years.
Amy’s talents, emotional intelligence, and social acumen empowered others. She supported her boys and husband in their educations, relationships, and careers, raising her young sons in Baltimore as devoted full-time mother. Amy discovered her passion for botany and took a position at a wholesale greenhouse. Through her diligence and social skills, she rose to become manager of perennial plant production that exceeded a million plants each year. Amy’s spiritual journey, concern for social justice, and call-to-work brought her into the faith community at Towson Presbyterian Church. She ministered in faith; taught Sunday School, cared for the community as a Deacon, and helped govern the church as an Elder. Amy’s vocations and generosity truly transcend any singular professional or volunteer title. For decades she tirelessly and gracefully volunteered in the service of others, from parent and community organizations to homeless shelters and interfaith collaborations.
In 2006 Amy and Brad began returning to their native Michigan for summers on the Old Mission Peninsula, where they found a welcoming community. Amy reveled in the beauty of northern Michigan with many fond memories of childhood visits to her grandfather’s cabin on the nearby Manistee River. In 2014 Amy and Brad decided to make Old Mission their home. When she wasn’t cooking or baking, tending her own perennial and vegetable gardens or enjoying her pets and wild bird visitors, Amy could be found volunteering with the Old Mission Historical Society, The Friends of the Old Mission Lighthouse, The Peter Dougherty Society, and at numerous community events.
Amy’s boundless compassion, intellect, quick wit, and infectious smile inspired those around her to be their best selves. She was deeply troubled by cruelty and injustice in the world and strived toward change through education and action. She loved popcorn, spring flowers, and seeing her children and grandchildren learn, grow, and thrive. Her loved ones take solace in the certainty that she lived a full and joyful life and are thankful for the time that she illuminated their lives.
