In Memoriam: A Memorial Service is Set for Rumson-Raised RFH ’79 Grad, Patann Campi Lyon

“Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing. And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb. And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.”

It is with great sadness that the family of Patricia Campi Lyon announces that she has lost her valiant battle with cancer and passed away at home on Nov. 27, 2022. A memorial service is now set for April 22.

Known to all who loved her as Patann, she was born on July 23, 1961, grew up in Rumson and graduated from Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) in 1979.

“Patann was an equestrian, an avid runner, a lover of pets, and happiest at the beach, in her vegetable garden, or with her family. Patann was unconditionally kind and devoted to her family, and we will forever cherish the many happy years we shared together. Patann was a rarity in this world, a true ray of light with a glowing soul, and our lives will be forever dimmer without her.”
Family of Patann Campi Lyon

After graduating from RFH, Patann studied at New England College. There, she was captain of the equestrian team, and earned a B.A. in psychology and sociology. She also attended the New School for Social Research in NYC.

Her career has been dedicated to the service, care, and management of persons with developmental disabilities. She was the Childcare Counselor for the Marian House in Belmar NJ and the New Horizons Resident Coordinator. She also served as Assistant Director of Residential Services and Director of Adult Services for Arc/Morris in NJ. Relocating after marriage, she became Director of Quality Assurance for Camary Statewide Services in Albany NY, and then Director of Residential Services for Litchfield Arc in CT.

The last 14 years she has worked in Pre-K Special Education as a paraprofessional at the Quaker Farms School in Oxford CT, where she touched many young minds.

She is predeceased by her parents, Kathleen (Margarella) and Victor J. Campi and her brothers-in-law Charles Raines, Christopher Lyon, Richard Lyon, and sister-in-law Catherine Lyon Corbett.

Patann leaves behind: her husband, James, of 27 years; her beloved children, Thomas and Sarah, and cherished grandson, Victor Jay; her sisters, Kasey Ordway Raines, Marian Campi Conde, Diane Campi Brunner; brother-in-law, James; the extended Lyon and Bruckmann families; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The family extends a special gratitude for the exceptional level of care and compassion provided by the doctors and staff at the Yale Smilow Cancer Center.

For friends and family to celebrate Patann’s life, please join us for a memorial service at St. George’s-by-the-River, 7 Lincoln Avenue Rumson, on Saturday, April 22 at 11 a.m.. A reception will follow at the church.

— Edited obituary written by family