Jean Marie Lydon

Jean M. Lydon, 80, of Waukon, IA, died Tuesday, June 2, 2020, at Chandler Regional Medical Center in Chandler, AZ. Graveside services will be held Saturday, June 13th, at 11:00 AM at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Waukon with Fr. Mark Osterhaus officiating and will also be live streamed on Martin Funeral Home's Facebook page. Martin Funeral Home in Waukon is handling arrangements. Condolences may be sent to Mary A. Meyer at 1232 Joseph Lane, Waukon, IA 52172.

Jean Marie Lydon was born October 2, 1939, in Cresco, IA, the daughter of Clarence and Dorothy (Kratz) Slifka. Jean graduated from Notre Dame High School in Cresco in 1957. On May 31, 1958, she married her high school sweetheart Thomas Edward Lydon at Assumption Catholic Church in Cresco. In 1959, they moved to Waukon, IA, where they opened Lydon Electric Service and raised their family. Jean was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and sang in the church choir. She was as a short-order cook in local restaurants and worked in the produce department at Quillins. In 1996, Jean and Tom built their dream home and motor shop, where many happy memories were shared.

Trout fishing with her husband and fishing on the Mississippi with her parents were favorite pastimes. Also sewing, crocheting, and gardening brought her great joy. Jean loved having coffee with friends, joking with co-workers, baking, reading cookbooks, and collecting recipes. She had many fond memories of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include her children: John (Shelly) Lydon of Waukon, Jean Ann (Mike) Oden of Greensboro, NC, Mary (Don) Meyer of Waukon, Judy (Todd) Thies of Robins, IA, Barb (Jimmie Johnson) Byrnes of Harpers Ferry, IA, Nancy (Jon) Snitker of Waukon, and Lisa Lydon of Phoenix, AZ; 28 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; twin sister Judy (Vic) Wolfe; a brother Jeff (DeeDee) Slifka; a sister-in-law Sherry (Wally) Biegacki; and cousins, nieces and nephews; neighbors, and friends.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Tom on October 11, 2012; two brothers-in-law: Don Sevart and Bob Lydon; and two granddaughters: Elizabeth Faith Thies and Chantel Marie Snitker.

Honorary casketbearers are Jean's granddaughters and her grandsons will serve as casketbearers.