Mae Rose Lyden, 93

Mae Rose Lyden died at her daughter's Polson residence April 9, 2006. She was born in Butte on May 21, 1912.

Mae was preceded in death by her parents, Dennis Joseph Murphy and Kate Harrington Murphy; an infant son, Joseph Michael; her sisters, Margaret Murphy Dunphy and Frances Murphy Pool; and her husband of 51 years, Joseph M. Lyden, who died in 1982.

Mae lived in Butte with her husband and two children until 1956, when they moved to Las Vegas. She returned to Montana in 1986 to be near her daughter.

Mae was a bright, independent Irishwoman with a great sense of humor and positive attitude. She accepted life's challenges and joys with equanimity. She had no time for maudlin sentimentality; her interests were current events and the future, as well as baseball and pro football.

Mae was a proud American with a deep sense of gratitude to war veterans. She was loyal without hesitation to her family, friends and beliefs. There were no trophies, plaques or awards for her life's work as wife, mother and homemaker, but she had the reward of providing strength, love and inspiration to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mae is survived by her brother, Dennis Joseph Murphy, and Lorrain of Elko, Nev.; son, Harry Lyden, and Nancy of Bullhead City, Ariz.; daughter, Alice Lyden Chumrau, and Paul of Missoula; grandsons, Tim Lyden of San Diego, Joseph Lyden Oechsli and Leah of New York City, and George William Oechsli and Delia of Eden, Texas; granddaughter, Amy Lyden, and Mark Lorenzetto of Sydney, Australia; great-granddaughters, Megan Mae Oechsli of Texas, and Symantha Mae Lyden of California; great-grandsons, George William Oechsli of Texas, William Joseph Oechsli of New York, and Austin and Jacob Lyden of California.

Mae loved young people and believed education should be available to all. She was deeply thankful for the Radio Reading Service that allowed her to continue reading after her eyesight failed.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Mae by making a contribution to the Salish Kootenai College Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 70, Pablo, MT 59855; or the Radio Reading Service, 337 Stephens Ave., Missoula, MT 59801; or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the care of Grogan Funeral Home in Polson. At Mae's request, cremation has taken place. A private family service will be held this summer.