Mary E. Lyda, 81, who passed away peacefully on Monday afternoon, surrounded by her children, at the home of Jerry and Billie.

She was born June 18, 1932, in Fowler, Ohio, a daughter of John Nicholas and Mary Elizabeth Lewis Billock.  She lived in Springfield Township most of her life. She graduated in 1950 from Springfield High School. Mary was a loving mother, mentor, homemaker, and worked for 20 years at the MYCAP – Headstart Program.  She was affectionately known as "Mary Queen of Petersburg". She was the last surviving member of 15 siblings, 10 brothers and 4 sisters and herself.

Mary was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Church, former member of the St. Theresa Catholic Church in Cadiz, Ohio, and former member of the St. Charles Catholic Church in Boardman.  Mary was also a member of the Springfield Township Historical Society, the Springfield Township Chamber of Commerce and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Springfield VFW Post 2799, known as the Triangle Post.

Mary married Theodore J. Lyda on December 2, 1950 in Youngstown, and he preceded her in death on July 2, 2009.

She leaves six sons Thaddeus John "Ted" (Janet) Lyda of Poland, Nicholas John "Nick" (Barb) Lyda of Pheonix, AZ, Jerome John "Jerry" (Billie) Lyda of  Canfield, Frederick John "Fred" (Cindy) Lyda of Petersburg, William John "Bill" (Pam) Lyda of Salem, Paul John (Lisa) Lyda of Powell, Ohio, two daughters Katherine Mary "Katie" (Bill) Wilson of Poland, Mary Elizabeth (John) Francis of Canal Winchester, Ohio, 36 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Theodore, her parents, step mother Elizabeth Murphy, two grandchildren Kim Court and Russell Lyda.

The Ladies Auxiliary of the Springfield VFW will do a prayer service on Friday evening at 8:00 pm.Material contributions in Mary's name may be made to the Springfield Historical Society at P.O. Box 187 in Petersburg,OH 44454