PORTLAND — Edna A. Lyden, 102, formerly of Montreal Street and Peaks Island, died peacefully April 1, following a long and healthy life.

She was born in Portland on Nov. 15, 1911, the daughter of William H. and Catherine McAleer O’Brion. She attended local schools and graduated from Portland High School, class of 1930, where she was on the first field hockey team. She furthered her education at the Gorham Normal School.

She married William A. Lyden in 1936 in Portland.

Lyden was one of 14 children. As a child, she enjoyed spending summers on Long Island, and in 1943 she and her husband bought a home on Peaks Island,  which she kept for the rest of her life. She taught parochial elementary school at Cathedral and St. Dominic’s for many years. She was a summer communicant of St. Christopher’s Church on Peaks Island. She was well known for her famous Easter egg hunts and her love of St. Patrick’s Day.

Lyden was a longtime resident of Montreal Street in Portland, and seven years ago she moved in with Dick and Cathy Rand who gave her great love and care over the past several years. The family would also like to extend a special thank you to Rev. Beau Boyle of the First Baptist Church, Peaks Island and to the Peaks Island Cab Company for all of the great care they gave her over the many years.

She was predeceased by her husband in 1986; five brothers; and eight sisters.

She is survived by many loving nieces and nephews and their children.

Visiting hours were held April 4 at the Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, Portland. Prayers were recited at the funeral home on April 5, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Portland. Burial followed in Calvary Cemetery, South Portland.

Those who wish, may make memorial contributions in her memory to Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception or St. Christopher’s Catholic Church, 307 Congress St., Portland, ME 04101.

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