WhatFinger


Some angels passing through our lives leave a shining indelible mark that continues to live on forever

The Passing of Angel Renée Chevalier Lyons



Renée Chevalier Lyons, James Ace Lyons Friends and colleagues of Canada Free Press columnist, Ret. Admiral James Lyons, who was Commander-in-Chief, US Pacific Fleet, call him, “Ace”. Ace and all who knew her called his wife, Renée Chevalier Lyons, an “Angel”. Renée, an angel who lived among us, passed away suddenly on November 1, 2018, but not too far away from her beloved Ace whom she will now steadfastly watch over from another realm.
“She was born in Washington, DC on August 2, 1931 to John Collins Chevalier and Edna Wilcox Chevalier. () “She was preceded in death by her two brothers, John and Shaler Chevalier. Renée graduated from Mt. Vernon College in 1952 and married Ensign James "Ace" Lyons April 1954 which started her on a magnificent Navy voyage.” It was only one of the many highlights of her life as a naval wife that Renée accompanied her husband Ace on the historic port visit to China November 3, 1986—the first U.S. Navy task force visit to China in 37 years since the Communists took power. The enduring light of Renée’s life shone on the lives of many others, including orphans in Thailand, who called an orphanage brought into existence by her sponsorship, “home”. She also sponsored scholarships for Navy children, a passionate work she continued after her husband retired by sponsoring an annual charity event at her farm in Warrenton, VA for over 20 years. Renée will be remembered by countless Navy children for whom she raised tens of thousands of dollars for their education. “Elegance and doing things first class were her trademarks. She was at ease in hosting many world leaders. Her official dinner parties achieved legendary status.” (Washington Post) “One of Renée's proudest moments was becoming the sponsor of the cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG-58).” In private life, Renée had many interests including collecting antiques; miniature doll houses and furniture; raising Bassett Hounds and hosts of other dogs. Renée Chevalier Lyon’s, three children, Michele, Yvonne, Jim, and three grandchildren, Max Slingluff, Zoe Renée Slingluff and James A. Lyons IV must be so proud to call her “Mother” and “Grandmother”. A service for Renée was held in the Chapel of the United States Naval Academy at 10:30, November 8. May God’s Grace and our prayers comfort Ace, his children and grandchildren in their grief. Some angels passing through our lives leave a shining indelible mark that continues to live on forever.

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Judi McLeod -- Bio and Archives -- Judi McLeod, Founder, Owner and Editor of Canada Free Press, is an award-winning journalist with more than 30 years’ experience in the print and online media. A former Toronto Sun columnist, she also worked for the Kingston Whig Standard. Her work has appeared throughout the ‘Net, including on Rush Limbaugh and Fox News.

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