Obituary of Lyra Louise Done

IN LOVING MEMORY OF LYRA DONE

Lyra Louise Bishop was born August 28, 1936, in Loma Linda, CA to Jess and Louise Bishop. She was raised in Brawley, CA along with her younger sister, Loretta Lynn.

As an adult, Lyra moved to Tucson where she began working for Pioneer Paint Company. She landed a job at Allied Aircraft as their financial controller and met her husband there as he worked for Mountain Bell and showed up at Allied Aircraft to fix their phone lines. 25+ years later, Lyra "retired". She became a realtor and created Lyra Done Realty. She maintained her business for over 20 years.

Lyra married Richard A. Done September 6, 1971. They enjoyed 44 years of marriage until his death in 2016. Together they golfed, bowled, traveled, and loved watching and attending University of Arizona sporting events, especially basketball.

Lyra spent many years with Sweet Adeline's International as part of a women's a Capella quartet. She loved being on stage. She and Richard sponsored members of Up with People for several years and developed life-long relationships with those whom they welcomed into their home from around the world. She also loved spending time with the grandchildren when they were young, especially swimming in their pool.

Lyra and Richard moved to Oro Valley in 1995 where Lyra became very involved in the community. She was the self-proclaimed “Queen of Oro Valley” and was recently honored for her years of community service with a park bench that has an excellent view of the vast Pusch Ridge scenery in Riverfront Park. The bench bears a plaque reading “Lyra Done, Queen of Oro Valley.” She enjoyed many years volunteering with the Oro Valley Optimist Club where she felt much fulfillment and joy. She was also devoted to the Tucson Association of Realtors, Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce, Southern Arizona Homebuilders, Marana Chamber of Commerce. Other organizations include the Women of Impact Tucson, Northern Pima County Chamber of Commerce, Oro Valley Historical Society, and two terms on Oro Valley’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

Lyra was stepmom to two daughters, Susan Done Caldwell (Clay) and Diane Done Landers (Mark). Through them, she was Grandma Lyra to LeAnn, Ross, Scott, and Jill as well as 8 great-grandchildren. She was Aunt Lyra to her sister's daughters, Shelia Parkison Twitty and Paula Parkison Edwards as well as great-nieces and nephews. Also, Lyra was stepmom to Robert Done and Rebecca Done and Grandmother to Colin, Madeline, Rachel, and Ethan.

Lyra battled cancer for many years. She often said, "I'm not going to die from cancer. I'm going to die with cancer." Anyone who knew Lyra Done, knew her grit and positive attitude. She felt a "good day" was decided with the space between your two ears. Lyra truly loved sunflowers because "they turn towards the light and face the sun." She was known for her strength, courage, and her positive words. She lived and guided through those abilities.

Lyra passed away very peacefully, at home, with family and friends by her side on October 23, 2020. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jess W. Bishop and Louise Seay Bishop, her sister, Loretta Lynn Parkison, brother-in-law, Robert J. Parkison and her husband, Richard A. Done.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.