Kathleen Lyons Ayr, 63, of Branford, died June 27 after a long and courageous battle with ovarian cancer. As she wished, she was surrounded by family and loved ones, who offered prayers, remembrances, and laughter as a testimonial to her love of life and those with whom she shared it.

She was born in Manchester on March 13, 1947, daughter of the late Bernard and Thelma Laurie Lyons. She was a special education teacher in the New Haven Public Schools for more than 30 years, where she was the founding member of the Early Childhood Assessment Team (EACT). She is still remembered by many of her former students and their parents for her devotion, expertise, and love of her profession.

She was also an active parishioner at Zion Episcopal Church, North Branford, holding the positions of usher, reader, and senior warden. Her most important contribution, however, was her role as education consultant to the Nursery School on Notch Hill.

Kathy lived her life to the fullest, enjoying cooking for those she loved, dancing, traveling, reading, spending time at the beach, and surrounding herself with friends and family.

She is survived by two daughters, Lauren Ayr of Branford and Marissa Ayr Robinson and her husband Brandon, also of Branford; their father, Steven Ayr of Branford; and three brothers, Bernard Lyons and his wife Anne of Knoxville, Tennessee, James Lyons and his wife Mary of South Glastonbury, and David Lyons and his wife Susan of Manchester. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service was held at Zion Episcopal Church, North Branford, on July 1. Private burial will take place at the convenience of the family. Those wishing to make charitable gifts in her memory are encouraged to direct their donations to either Yale-New Haven Hospital, Discovery to Cure, Office of Development, P.O. Box 1849, New Haven, CT 06510; or to Zion Episcopal Church, Notch Hill Rd., North Branford, CT 06471. The Keenan Funeral Home, North Branford, is in charge of arrangements.